Overview

• Rot-Weiss Essen fans hurled sexist and discriminatory chants at referee Fabienne Michel during their March third-division match against SC Verl.
• The DFB opened an investigation on April 4 and sanctioned Rot-Weiss Essen with a €20,000 fine on May 15 for the abuse.
• Michel has filed a civil lawsuit against individual offenders to pursue additional legal accountability.
• Refereeing chief Knut Kircher condemned the chants as discriminatory and inhumane, stressing zero tolerance for such behavior.
• National team captain Giulia Gwinn described the incident as “bottomless” and urged women in football to unite against sexism.