A Colombian football match descended into chaos after Javier Bolivar, a player for Real Alianza Cataquera, slapped female referee Vanessa Ceballos during a heated clash with Deportivo Quique.

The incident happened in the 66th minute when Bolivar, who was already on the sidelines, was shown a red card by Ceballos. Before she could even finish raising the card, Bolivar angrily confronted her and struck her across the face with his right hand.

Shocked by the assault, Ceballos reacted by attempting to kick Bolivar before other players rushed in to restrain her. Outraged teammates and opponents surrounded the scene, with one goalkeeper pushing Bolivar away from the referee.

The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation of Bolivar’s actions and sparking demands for severe disciplinary measures.

In response to the backlash, Bolivar posted a lengthy apology on Instagram. He denied intentionally slapping the referee, claiming he had been trying to grab her whistle, but admitted his behaviour was “disrespectful and inappropriate.”

“I humbly apologize to her, her family, women everywhere, and everyone affected by what happened,” he wrote. “I firmly reject any form of violence, especially against women. Women deserve all our respect, care, and admiration.”

Colombian football authorities are now reviewing the incident, and Bolivar could face a lengthy suspension for his actions.