Unfounded Incident, Says DFB Captain Gwinn
German Football Association Sanctions Rot-Weiss Essen for Sexist Chants Against Referee Fabienne Michel
The German Football Association (DFB) has fined Rot-Weiss Essen €20,000 for sexist chants by their supporters during a third-tier league match against SC Verl on March 28, 2025. The offensive chants targeted the referee, Fabienne Michel, and were discriminatory and contemptible in nature.
The chants, primarily heard during the second half, included derogatory and sexist terminology directed at Michel. Following investigations, the DFB imposed the fine on Rot-Weiss Essen, allowing them to utilize up to €6,650 of the amount for preventive measures against discrimination, as long as they can demonstrate these efforts to the DFB by December 31, 2025.
Captain of the German women's football team, Giulia Gwinn, found the incident outrageous and called for female unity in society and football. In an interview with "Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland" before the Nations League match on Friday, she stated, "We must stand together; we can't just accept this. It's astounding that we're still grappling with this issue in 2025."
Gwinn sees herself as a voice for change on such matters, advocating for continued action and challenging resistance. Referees' boss, Knut Kircher, also denounced the fans' behavior, describing the chants as "discriminatory and contemptible."
The incident has sparked a conversation about tolerance and the need to address ongoing issues of discrimination in football and beyond. Gwinn's call for women to stand together underscores the urgency to combat such behavior and promote a more inclusive environment for all involved in the sport.
Source: ntv.de, sue/dpa
- Sexism
- DFB Women
- The DFB Women's Football team's captain, Giulia Gwinn, is using her voice as a platform to advocate for change regarding sexism incidents in football.
- In a conversation about tolerance and addressing ongoing issues of discrimination in football, it is crucial for all, including the DFB Women, to work together to foster a more inclusive environment.
- The sexist chants directed at referee Fabienne Michel during a recent match prompted not only the German Football Association's action but also a call from DFB Women for increased unity and action to eliminate sexism in science, health-and-wellness, sexual-health, women's health, sports, and beyond.
