Singapore's first Fifa female referee shows red card to sexist remarks

Referees have arguably one of the toughest jobs in football, and they often face remarks and even abuse from players and coaches.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Like many of her male counterparts, Abirami Naidu - who is the first Singaporean woman referee to be accredited by Fifa has heard them all and remained stolid.

But one particular comment - a sexist one in June 2019 struck a nerve. She was the fourth official at a Singapore Premier League (SPL) match where a player reportedly made a crude comment in Malay towards her, adding that "you don't belong here".

Abirami told The Straits Times: "I was the punching bag. I was the fourth official and there was a foul that occurred in front of me, so I recommended to the referee for the player to be shown a yellow card. The player was not happy with the decision and made that remark to me in anger.

"I was taken aback but remained calm at that time."