A FEMALE referee in South America had to be restrained after a player disgracefully SLAPPED HER in the face.
Vanessa Ceballos took charge of the midweek match between Colombian sides Real Alianza Cataquera and Deportivo Quique.
And in a truly disgusting scene, she was slapped by Real star Javier Bolivar after issuing him a red card.
Bolivar – who was on the sidelines – was given his marching orders by the official in the 66th minute.
He angrily strode towards Ceballos before she’d finished raising the red card and proceeded to get into her face.
And as he turned away, he slapped her across the face with his right hand.
Ceballos reacted furiously to the assault, kicking out at the retreating Bolivar before being restrained.
She tried her best to confront the disgraceful Bolivar but was stopped from doing so.
Players reacted furiously to Bolivar’s actions, with one of the keepers angrily shoving him away from the scene.
Footage of Bolivar’s disgraceful slap spread like wildfire on social media and saw him condemned for his heinous act.
Bolivar took to social media to issue a grovelling apology for his actions, which could lead to a lengthy suspension from Colombian football chiefs.
But he’s DENIED intentionally slapping Ceballos, insisting he tried to pull the whistle from her mouth.
He wrote on his Instagram, which he’s since made a private page: “I recognize that my behaviour was disrespectful and inappropriate, unbecoming of an athlete and a human being.
“By foolishly trying to take the whistle out of the referee’s mouth, I acted incorrectly, sending a negative message that should never have happened.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that at no time was there any physical aggression toward the referee.
“However, I understand that my gesture was offensive and portrayed her as contrary to the values of football and respect.
“Therefore, I humbly apologize to her, her family, the women, and everyone who was affected by what happened.
“I firmly reject any form of violence, especially against women. Women deserve all our respect, care, and admiration.
“My commitment is to work on my personal and athletic growth so as to never again repeat an act that violates anyone’s dignity.”
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