In a dramatic conclusion to the Greek Cup final, pioneering referee Stephanie Frappart was escorted off the pitch by police following intense confrontations. Frappart, known for being the first woman to officiate a men’s World Cup match in 2022, faced hostile reactions after issuing three red cards during the match.
The heated game saw Panathinaikos' Giannis Kotsiras and Aris players Jean Jules and Vladimir Darida sent off before Panathinaikos secured a 1-0 victory. As the match ended, tempers flared among Aris' players and staff, with club president Theodoros Karypidis reportedly involved in the altercations. The police intervened to ensure Frappart's safety and escorted her from the field, according to Greek media reports.
Greek football authorities have not yet commented on the incident. Frappart, celebrated for her trailblazing role in women’s refereeing, made history on December 1, 2022, by officiating a men’s World Cup match between Costa Rica and Germany in Qatar. She also holds the distinction of being the first female referee in France’s Ligue 1 and overseeing the 2019 UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea.
The match took place at an empty Panthessaliko Stadium in Volos, as the venue had not yet installed the required CCTV system. The game-winning goal was scored by Georgios Vagiannidis, securing Panathinaikos a spot in next season's Europa League. Karypidis stormed the pitch, protesting against Frappart and suggesting in his statements that the match was manipulated.
This victory marks the 20th Greek Cup win for Panathinaikos, owned by Giannis Alafouzos. Frappart has also officiated a historic international friendly between England and Australia, becoming the first female referee to oversee a men’s international match at Wembley.
(Source: Daily Mail UK)
