Former Livorno Academy director Luigi D’Ario has sparked controversy after posting a seemingly sexist comment about referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi following her work in Cremonese’s win over Napoli.
Il Tirreno recounts how D’Ario posted an insulting comment about the 32-year-old Livorno born referee following Cremonese’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 win over the league leaders, who lost on penalties. Ferrieri Caputi and her assistants made history in the match, becoming the first all-female officiating team in a Coppa Italia game.
Commenting on a photo of Ferrieri Caputi on Facebook after Cremonese’s win over Napoli, D’Ario wrote: “Baked gnocchi, you need peelings, mince, mozzarella, basil, oven at 200 degrees.” The comment was quickly removed but quickly sparked controversy regardless, implying the 32-year-old referee would be better off in the kitchen.
The FIGC member later distanced himself from the situation, suggesting it was “Livorno-style vernacular without malice,” and that “’There was no sexism. I absolutely did not want to disrespect a woman.”
The incident is an example of the challenges facing Ferrieri Caputi, who broke new ground by becoming Serie A’s first female referee last year.
Reminds me of certain commenters under nearly every article by Susy
@forza, agree, it’s pathetic. Football is difficult world for anyone that is not a white man.