French Stephanie Frappart has no considerations concerning the scrutiny she is going to face in Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea when she becomes the first woman to referee a significant men’s match in European competition.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, she said;
“I don’t think so. We have to prove physically, technically and tactically that we are the same as the men. I’m not afraid about that. Nothing changes for me,”
“I think there is not a lot of difference, because football is the same.”
Along with her assistants, compatriot Manuela Nicolosi and Ireland’s Michelle o’neill, Frappart conjointly took charge of the women’s world cup final between the united states and the Netherlands last month. Nicolosi and o’neill will assist her once more in istanbul.
On the other hand, Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s head of refereeing, said he came up with the idea of appointing Frappart for such a high-profile men’s fixture after watching her at the women’s World Cup.
His words:
“I hope she will inspire thousands of younger women referees all over the world,” he said, a sentiment shared by the Chelsea boss, Frank Lampard.
“It’s great news, I’m very pleased to be a part of this moment in history which is very much due,” said Lampard.“I think we were very slow everywhere on this and now we are trying to make strides. There is still a long way to go but in terms of tomorrow (Wednesday) it is a huge moment.”
