Investigate the case that a Brazilian football official was fired for headbutting a female referee

Television cameras captured the shocking moment when Mr. Rafael Soriano, CEO of Desportiva Ferroviária Club, head-butting assistant referee Marcielly Netto when she interfered with his reaction to referee Arthur Gomes Rabelo. Soriano objected to the referee’s first half decision to blow his whistle regarding a free kick controversy.

Brazilian football official fired for headbutting female referee SCREEN CAPTURE

The referee was immediately given a red card against Soriano when her assistant Netto was stunned and brought her hand to her nose to check for blood and injuries from the headbutt. Immediately after the incident, the Desportivo Ferroviaria club announced the dismissal of Soriano shortly after after the overreaction.

The incident occurred during the first half of the regional cup match between Desportivo Ferroviaria, a team playing in the Brazilian top division, and the home team Nova Venecia in the state of Espirito Santo, in the southeastern part of the country. Before Soriano’s headbutt occurred, the umpire had filmed a yellow card showing a player protesting at the end of the first half. The home team won the match 3-1 and progressed on. into the semi-finals of the regional cup tournament.

Rafael Soriano, CEO of Desportiva Ferroviária club, shocked when he rushed to head-butt the assistant referee Marcielly Netto SCREEN CAPTURE

Desportivo Ferroviaria club said after announcing the termination of Soriano’s contract: “We have tried to contact assistant referee Marcielly Netto by phone to apologize and assist but were unable to contact her. We reiterate our commitment to support whatever is needed. The club will also provide professional psychological support and will take action to combat all forms of violence against women on and off the pitch.”

Female assistant referee Marcielly Netto Screen capture

According to local media, the police and Espirito Santo State Football Federation also opened a investigation about the case. In addition to his dismissal, Mr. Soriano will also be suspended for a month, which can be increased to 180 days after the conclusion of his actions.