FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed support for Mexican referee Katia Itzel Garcia after she was subjected to online abuse following a Leagues Cup match between Liga MX club Monterrey and MLS outfit FC Cincinnati last Thursday, Afrosport reports.
Garcia came under the spotlight for her decision to award a goal to Cincinnati that appeared to be offside, which fuelled anger among Monterrey fans as Cincinnati won the match 3-2.
She revealed after the match that she was the target of abuse online by Monterrey supporters, and Infantino took to his Instagram account, to stand in solidarity with her as well as the Mexican Football Federation (FMF).
“I am dismayed and saddened by the threats against referee Katia Itzel following her performance in the Leagues Cup first round matches between Monterrey and Cincinnati,” the Swiss said.
“There is no place in football and society for abuse, discrimination and violence of any kind.
“At FIFA, we stand in solidarity with the FMF and CONCACAF in condemning the actions of those who make these unacceptable threats. We offer our unconditional support in holding those responsible to account.”
Garcia has officiated in other men’s competitions, including Liga MX, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, CONCACAF Nations League and the Paris 2024Summer Olympic Games.
