This event, according to the speaker, holds no depth or meaning. - Giulia Gwinn expresses doubt about the validity of the alleged incident
German Football Captain Giulia Gwinn Condemns Sexist Abuse Witnessed by Referee Fabienne Michel
Giulia Gwinn, captain of the German women's national football team and player for FC Bayern Munich, has expressed alarm at the sexist abuse directed at referee Fabienne Michel during a recent men's third division match. In an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Gwinn called the incident a "wake-up call" and described it as "beyond comprehension."
Fans from Rot-Weiss Essen hurled offensive and discriminatory chants at Michel during their match against SC Verl, which took place about two months ago. The German Football Association (DFB) handed Rot-Weiss Essen a €20,000 fine, as reported, and Michel has also filed a civil lawsuit, as documented by the association.
Gwinn emphasized the importance of unity and action against such behavior. "As women, we cannot accept this distressing reality. It's astounding that in 2025 we're still grappling with such issues," said the 25-year-old Gwinn in advance of Germany's Nations League match against Iceland. The game is set to air live on ZDF on Friday at 8:30 PM CEST.
Gwinn sees herself as a voice for change on this matter. "We should continue to vocalize our concerns, even if it's uncomfortable. We need strong personalities advocating for change," she stated.
Previously, referee chief Knut Kircher had denounced the fans' treatment of Michel. "The chants targeted Michel's gender and were therefore discriminatory and demeaning," Kircher said in a statement. The 56-year-old referee chief condemned the incident as a glaring example of unacceptable behavior.
Sexist abuse directed at female officials and players is a persistent issue in European football, often leading to public statements from football authorities and educational programs aimed at fans. Efforts continue to be made to combat sexism, both on and off the pitch, and to promote a more inclusive and tolerant football environment.
- Giulia Gwinn
- Fabienne Michel
- Sexism
- Football
- FC Bayern Munich
- DFB
- Abuse
- Women
- Rot-Weiss Essen
- Germany
- Bremen
- Germany (men's football)
- SC Verl 1924 e.V.
- Giulia Gwinn, the captain of Germany's women's national football team and a player for FC Bayern Munich, has been a vocal advocate against sexist abuse, particularly in light of the incident experienced by referee Fabienne Michel during a men's third division match.
- The persistent issue of sexism in football, experienced by both female officials and players, has led to initiatives like educational programs and public statements from football authorities, such as the German Football Association (DFB).
- FC Bayern Munich's Giulia Gwinn believes it's crucial for strong personalities to continue speaking out against such behavior, echoing the sentiments of referee chief Knut Kircher, who had previously denounced fans' sexist mistreatment of Fabienne Michel during a match between Rot-Weiss Essen and SC Verl 1924 e.V.
