Pro Referees of the Men's Division Express Hostility
Speech by Fabienne Michel on Overcoming Sexist Discrimination in German Football
Fabienne Michel, Germany's only referee in the top three men's leagues, has spoken out for the first time about the incident of sexist chants and insults she faced during a Rot-Weiss Essen match in March. The incident, which sparked a nationwide discussion about sexism in football, was not noticed on the field but became known through videos from WDR.
Michel expressed her feelings of loneliness initially but now sees positive aspects in the support and solidarity she received from outside. She believes that incidents like the one in Essen can help sensitize others to sexism in football and encourages everyone to take responsibility for addressing it, not just those who shout such things, but also those who are in the stadium and hear it.
The DFB fined Rot-Weiss Essen €20,000 for the chants, but Michel sees this as just the beginning of a larger conversation about the need for change in the sport. She will referee the first-round match in the DFB-Pokal on Sunday, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to the game.
The documentary "Unbiased - Germany's Elite Referees," which addresses sexism in football, has gained renewed attention in light of Michel's experience. The film highlights the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated world of football and calls for greater inclusion and representation.
Michel's speech serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against discrimination and working towards a more inclusive and equitable sporting culture. As she prepares to take the field, Michel is a shining example of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
In her speech, Fabienne Michel calls for the implementation of stronger community and employment policies within German football to combat sexism, acknowledging that change requires collective effort beyond just those who engage in such behaviour. The documentary "Unbiased - Germany's Elite Referees" promotes sports like football as a platform for addressing sexism, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion and representation, particularly in the male-dominated world of professional refereeing.
