Story perspectives

Colombian Footballer Attacks Referee, Faces Expulsion and Ban

9/5/2025

35 3

Summary

Story summary

Javier Bolivar attacked referee Vanessa Ceballos during a match, attempting to grab her whistle after a red card.
The incident, captured on video, led to Bolivar's apology, stating he did not mean to slap her.
He has been expelled from his team and faces a potential lengthy ban from Colombian football.
Ceballos, a respected FIFA referee, was part of Colombia's first all-female officiating team for a men's match.
The club condemned the violence, and the Magdalena Football League president denounced violence against women in sports.

1 of 1

Story summary

Javier Bolivar attacked referee Vanessa Ceballos during a match, attempting to grab her whistle after a red card.
The incident, captured on video, led to Bolivar's apology, stating he did not mean to slap her.
He has been expelled from his team and faces a potential lengthy ban from Colombian football.
Ceballos, a respected FIFA referee, was part of Colombia's first all-female officiating team for a men's match.
The club condemned the violence, and the Magdalena Football League president denounced violence against women in sports.