“Really sad”
DFB star criticizes sexism against referee
04/08/2025 – 7:04 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
The alleged sexist insults against referee Fabienne Michel continue to ensure conversation. Now a national player commented.
After the third division game between Rot-Weiss Essen and SC Verl, the focus is not only on the sporting result. After the game on March 28, who lost food 0: 3, allegations were made that referee Fabienne Michel had been sexistically insulted by RWE fans. The German Football Association (DFB) then initiated investigations.
National player Lena Oberdorf has now found clear words for the alleged incidents. In her podcast popcorn and Panenka, which she operates together with influencer Rena Schwabl, she expressed lack of understanding: Although she understands emotions and anger, the question of whether it is not possible to deal differently in the 21st century.
The background is a controversial scene shortly before the 0: 1 from Essen’s perspective. Referee Michel had stood in the way of Klaus Gjasula when this Berkan Taz wanted to prevent Taz at the end. Shortly afterwards the first goal for Verl.
Oberdorf was disappointed with the reactions of some spectators. She said it was “really sad” and described the situation as “simply disappointing”. In their view, male referees would have been insulted differently in a comparable situation.
“If you insult the male referee, you say other words,” said FC Bayern Munich’s midfielder. Basically, however, it rejects any kind of insult.