Female refs at World Cup 2022 are a giant leap for womankind especially in Qatar where they are fourth-class citizens

IN MANY ways, the choice of three women refs in the World Cup finals is an important statement on the equality of the sexes.

But the fact it will be taking place in a country where women are ­second best — probably third or fourth after the camel riders and Rolls owners — is of even greater relevance.

AFP

Stephanie Frappart has emerged as one of Europe’s top whistlers[/caption]

AFP

Women are second best in Qatar[/caption]

It says to presidents, parliaments, voters and piggish misogynists alike that women are winning the battle for full rights in a place where they are denied them.

At least Fifa is right in one critical policy. Fully behind equality in our sport, there must be some chance of one of the three being chosen to take charge of the final itself.

It is by no means mission accomplished in gender equality in football or a vast array of sports. But even in the past few days the revolution has flourished, from rugby league to rugby union, in boxing and others, women’s international sports have attracted big audiences on TV.

No longer do many men shudder at body-busting tackles among a host of charging females — although I have to admit I feel the occasional jolt and wonder how they cover up the bruises and black eyes.

What has impressed so many of us is the sportsmanship and friendly behaviour among women footballers.

The quality of play is improving all the time, too. We have all seen blistering goals, leaping headers, athletic movement and control becoming common, while vicious fouling is an absolute rarity. 

Women may sometimes be spiteful but not thuggish.

All in all, they behave like good pros with better vocabularies, too.

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Maybe respectful behaviour towards authority is part of our make-up and I’m sure the refs will react strongly to rough tongues on the field.

Their greatest trials will be to ignore smart asses and big mouths in the crowd hurling abuse at them.

Although I’ve had my share of these, I shudder at the thought of some filthy chants that seem inevitable. But I live in hope that respect will win the day.

There is no good reason why women will be lesser referees just so long as they can keep cool under pressure, an ability I admire in our current refs.

The FA seem cautious about introducing women refs to men’s matches. Once they are seen to be capable and fearless in the vicinity of angry men or hostile crowds, the huge majority of fans will appreciate their skills and professional approach.

Neither must they be appointed just because they are women. There is a little too much of that on TV already.

It was a little odd, I thought, for the BBC to ask two women to make the draw for a round of the men’s FA Cup last season. It would not be fair if two men did the women’s draw, would it?

Fifa haven’t been so pretentious. French referee Stephanie Frappart is only 5ft 3in but players should be aware that she will not fear 6ft bruisers or anyone else as she dishes out justice on the pitch — just as it should be.