World Cup referee defends herself against misogynistic comments after being hit by ball

Katia Itzel García, a pioneering referee who officiated in the recent men's World Cup, found herself at the center of controversy in Mexican football. Her return to the domestic league saw her face not only scrutiny over her calls but also sexist attacks and xenophobia directed at a foreign player.

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Look how all stigmas are broken, the vision that there was of women. And, among other things, it is thanks to Katia's effort. She is an example for all girls and boys in Mexico and the world, that women can be whatever we want to be.

García, the first woman from Central America to be appointed to the main men's competition, officiated matches during the World Cup, including Tunisia vs. Netherlands. Her achievements earned her praise from Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who lauded her as an example for women worldwide. "Look how all stigmas are broken, the vision that there was of women," Sheinbaum stated, highlighting García's effort as an inspiration.

However, her performance in a match between Querétaro and Tigres, which Querétaro won 3-2, drew sharp criticism. Mediotiempo's website labeled her work as "poor," citing missed penalties for Querétaro and a questionable penalty awarded to Tigres for the winning goal. The controversy intensified after Paulo Victor of Querétaro accidentally hit García in the face with the ball from close range while play was stopped. Although García deemed the incident accidental, some media and social media users labeled it a premeditated assault that went unpunched.

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Refereeing should not be by gender quota, it should be by ability, and this referee does not have it to officiate for us.

Former international referee Francisco Chacón criticized García's handling of the situation, suggesting she lacked the "level or character" to sanction Victor. He also expressed indignation that a foreign player would show such disrespect to authority. Miguel Ángel Arizpe, writing for Mediotiempo, echoed these sentiments, relaying a misogynistic comment from a match participant: "Refereeing should not be by gender quota, it should be by ability, and this referee does not have it to officiate for us."

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It causes great indignation that a foreigner comes to our country and does not have the minimum respect for authority. Hopefully, the referees will unite to protect Katia and not overlook these types of behaviors.