COLOMBIA: Female referee Vanessa Ceballos had to be restrained after a player disgracefully slapped her in the face during a midweek match in Colombia.
The incident happened in the 66th minute of the clash between Real Alianza Cataquera and Deportivo Quique this week as Real player Javier Bolivar was being sent off.
Bolivar – who was on the sidelines – angrily rushed towards the official before she'd finished raising the red card and slapped her with his right hand as he turned away.
The incident sparked chaos on the field, with Ceballos kicking out at the retreating Bolivar before being restrained.
Players reacted furiously to Bolivar's actions, with one of the goalkeepers angrily shoving him away from the scene.
Footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media and was met with widespread condemnation, with many calling for harsh punishment against Bolivar.
The player later issued an apology on Instagram but denied that he intentionally slapped the referee, insisting he tried to pull the whistle from her mouth.
"I admit my actions were inappropriate and sent the wrong message. I want to make it clear that I had no intention of committing physical assault, but I understand that the gesture was offensive and goes against the values of football.
"I apologise to the referee, her family, and all women who were hurt by this incident," he said.
The apology, however, did little to ease public outrage and Bolivar is expected to face a lengthy suspension by Colombian football authorities.