French referee Stephanie Frappart and her team for the UEFA Super Cup match between English Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea does not feel under pressure to be flawless.
Speaking at a press conference inside the Besiktas stadium Frappart says “It is not a big deal really and I do not think we will be judged differently from the men. I have been involved in any games before and been doing Ligue 1 matches for a while. Tomorrow won’t be any different.”
Asked how they have managed to keep their emotions in check since the announcement they will be handling the game Manuela Nicolosi, also of France said “we have become maybe a bit more famous now but it has not been difficult managing emotions. Like Stephanie said, it is a football match and we have officiated in quite a few”.
Michelle O’Neill of Ireland Rep says “the best bit I am hoping will happen is that more and more young girls will take up this job and if that happens then it ill be worth it”.
Turkish 4th official Cuneyt Cakir was very clear in his final words for the waiting media and the world “There is nothing like male or female referees. They are all referees. They are trained in the same way, judged by the same set of guidelines and tests. So, we need to understand that these are referees first and foremost”.
Calvin Emeka Onwuka in Istanbul.
