Drama as male footballer slaps female referee after she showed him a red card (video)

Javier Bolivar

Colombian footballer Javier Bolivar has come under fire after striking referee Vanessa Ceballos during a heated match between Real Alianza Cataquera and Deportivo Quique.

The altercation unfolded in the 66th minute when Bolivar, sidelined at the time, received a red card from Ceballos.

Before she could fully display the card, Bolivar approached the referee and, while turning away, hit her across the face with his right hand.

Ceballos responded angrily, attempting to kick Bolivar before being held back by others on the field. Players reacted with outrage, including one goalkeeper who shoved Bolivar away from the referee.

Video of the incident quickly went viral, drawing widespread criticism of Bolivar’s actions and demands for punishment.

Following the backlash, Bolivar posted a lengthy apology on Instagram, admitting his behavior was “disrespectful and unacceptable.” He denied deliberately hitting the referee, insisting he had only meant to grab the whistle from her mouth.

“I want to clarify that there was never any physical aggression toward the referee,” Bolivar wrote. “However, I recognize that my actions were offensive and contradicted the principles of football and respect. I sincerely apologize to her, her family, women, and everyone impacted by this incident.”

He continued: “I strongly oppose any form of violence, particularly against women. Women deserve our utmost respect, care, and admiration. I am committed to improving myself personally and professionally to ensure such behavior never happens again.”



Colombian football officials are expected to announce disciplinary measures, with Bolivar likely facing a significant suspension.