DFB Captain Gwinn dismisses the allegations as baseless
Germany's DFB Football Federation Addresses Sexist Incident Toward Referee Fabienne Michel
In a shocking display during a third division match between Verl and Essen, referee Fabienne Michel was subjected to sexist insults and degrading chants from fans of Rot-Weiss Essen. The incident, which occurred during the second half, has sparked strong condemnation from the German Football Federation (DFB) and Giulia Gwinn, the captain of the German women's national team.
Mr. Gwinn, a prominent figure in the DFB, expressed his dismay over the incident. He stated, "This is a prime example that tolerance is not where it should be. In my eyes, this incident is beyond comprehension." He further urged women to stand together in the fight against such behavior, pointing out that it is unacceptable that such incidents are still occurring in 2025.
The DFB has taken disciplinary action, imposing a €20,000 fine on Rot-Weiss Essen and announcing that referee Michel has filed a civil lawsuit. DFB referee chief Knut Kircher also condoned the fans' behavior, calling the chants discriminatory and degrading.
Before the Nations League match of the German team on this Friday (8:30 PM/ZDF and in the live ticker on ntv.de) in Bremen, Ms. Gwinn emphasized that it is the responsibility of women in society and football to stand together against such behavior. She sees herself as a voice for change, advocating for continued action, even in the face of resistance.
The latest update reveals that the sexist incident involved sexist insults and verbal sexual abuse directed at referee Fabienne Michel from fans of Rot-Weiss Essen, as reported by local broadcaster WDR.
The incident highlights ongoing issues of sexism in football, prompting responses from key figures within the German Football Federation to address the behavior. Ms. Gwinn's vocal condemnation of the incident serves as a reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat sexism and promote a more inclusive culture within the sport.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive addressing sexist incidents in football, in light of the recent sexist incident towards referee Fabienne Michel.
Furthermore, science and research in the field of health-and-wellness, including women's health, are crucial to understanding and addressing the root causes of such incidents, and to promote a more health-conscious society.
Finally, as the incident shows the persistence of sexist behavior in sports like football, the focus should not only be on punitive measures, but also on the promotion of sports that empower women, such as women's football, to encourage a more inclusive and accepting sports culture.
