The Italian Referees Association (AIA) has refuted claims of sexism surrounding an incident involving referee Juan Luca Sacchi and his assistant, Francesca Di Monte. The incident, which occurred in the tunnel before a Serie A match between Lecce and Sassuolo at the Stadio Via del Mare, was captured on camera.
In the footage, Sacchi shook hands with one team captain but appeared to ignore Di Monte’s extended hand in favor of shaking hands with the other captain. While some observers labeled the action as ‘sexist,’ others argued that it was an attempt to maintain fairness by greeting both team captains.
Sources from the AIA addressed the situation, stating, “We can absolutely exclude that this was a sexist gesture or a personal snub. As far as we are concerned, it is not a problem, it was only an involuntary gesture that was misinterpreted.” They also emphasized the AIA’s commitment to breaking down gender barriers within the association.
Italy has made strides in gender inclusion in football, with several female referees and assistant referees regularly officiating in Serie A and Serie B matches.
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L’arbitro Luca #Sacchi non da la mano all’assistente donna Francesca #DiMonte
Brutto episodio prima di #LecceSassuolo. Sacchi rifiuta di stringere la mano all’assistente donna, lasciando la Di Monte probabilmente con il cuore gonfio di rabbia, considerando il suo sguardo sdegnato pic.twitter.com/0SuLboruJl— La Bussola TV (@LaBussolaTV) October 7, 2023
