Rome, Nov. 2 (LaPresse) – “The Italian Referees Association firmly condemns all forms of sexist insults, discrimination and verbal abuse directed at its female members, reiterating that such behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in the world of sport.” Francesco Massini, president of the Italian Referees Association, told LaPresse when asked about the sexist insults directed at referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi during yesterday’s Serie A match between Como and Venezia. “Unfortunately, these incidents,” the head of Italian refereeing continued, “are not confined to Serie A stadiums, but can also occur on amateur and youth football pitches, where thousands of male and female referees carry out their roles every weekend with passion, commitment and a sense of responsibility. The Italian Referees Association has more than 2,200 women among its members, accounting for approximately 6.7% of its total membership, who contribute every day to the growth and functioning of Italian refereeing. These women take to the field with competence, determination and professionalism to ensure that competitions run smoothly, allowing male and female footballers to play and millions of fans to experience the excitement of this sport.” “All of them,” Massini concluded, “deserve respect, recognition and admiration, not only for the roles they hold, but above all for the passion and dedication with which they choose to serve football. The Italian Referees Association reiterates its commitment to promoting a sporting culture based on respect, inclusion and equal treatment, convinced that combating all forms of discrimination is a shared responsibility of every component of the football system. Respect must not depend on the division, gender or pitch on which one officiates. It is an essential value, both on and off the field.”
Football, Massini (AIA): “Insults against Ferrieri Caputi are unacceptable, women deserve respect”
Rome, Nov. 2 (LaPresse) – “The Italian Referees Association firmly condemns all forms of sexist insults, discrimination and verbal abuse directed at its female members, reiterating that such behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in the world of sport.” Francesco Massini, president of the Italian Referees Association, told LaPresse when asked about the sexist insults directed at referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi during yesterday’s Serie A match between Como and Venezia. “Unfortunately, these incidents,” the head of Italian refereeing continued, “are not confined to Serie A stadiums, but can also occur on amateur and youth football pitches, where thousands of male and female referees carry out their roles every weekend with passion, commitment and a sense of responsibility. The Italian Referees Association has more than 2,200 women among its members, accounting for approximately 6.7% of its total membership, who contribute every day to the growth and functioning of Italian refereeing. These women take to the field with competence, determination and professionalism to ensure that competitions run smoothly, allowing male and female footballers to play and millions of fans to experience the excitement of this sport.” “All of them,” Massini concluded, “deserve respect, recognition and admiration, not only for the roles they hold, but above all for the passion and dedication with which they choose to serve football. The Italian Referees Association reiterates its commitment to promoting a sporting culture based on respect, inclusion and equal treatment, convinced that combating all forms of discrimination is a shared responsibility of every component of the football system. Respect must not depend on the division, gender or pitch on which one officiates. It is an essential value, both on and off the field.”