It’s 2019. But in spite of fighting patriarchy and reaching where we are today, women still face the wrath of misogynistic views, sexist remarks and harassment daily. Like this teenage ball girl who was subjected to a sexist remark from an umpire during a men’s tennis tournament.
In a video circulating on the internet, the 46-year old umpire, Gianluca Moscarella is seen telling a 16-years-old ball girl that she is “very sexy”, during a men’s tennis tournament in Florence.
BREAKING VIDEO! More about the umpire behaviour in that match. Said to ballgirl "“You are fantastic” “Very sexy” “Are you ok? It’s hot. Do you feel hot? Phisically or emotionally?” Is this acceptable addressed to a young girl even if said "as a joke"?https://t.co/IUHEZ5oySa
— Stefano Berlincioni (@Carretero77) September 29, 2019
He is seen sitting on a chair near to where the schoolgirl stood. He continues to say that she is ‘fantastic’, to which she replies ‘thank you’. He then asks her, “Are you OK? It’s hot. Are you feeling hot? Physically or emotionally? To which the girl replies ‘both’, prompting Moscarella to say, “You can’t handle it anymore.”
According to CNN, Moscarella was “immediately dismissed from the tournament when the matter was brought to light, and a full investigation has been initiated.” The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) said in a statement to CNN, “Moscarella has been provisionally suspended from his services as a contracted ATP official pending the results of the investigation.”
The internet wasn’t pleased with the umpire’s behaviour and was glad that he was dismissed from the tournament.
Totally unacceptable.
— LaWanda (@lawanda50) September 29, 2019
Totally NOT acceptable and he should be dismissed.
— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) September 30, 2019
Ok, two options : Moscarella is crazy, or looking for a lifetime ban.
— TD (@TennisWR) September 29, 2019
— jb (@pepsicocom) September 30, 2019
Inappropriate.
— Emmett Ervin (@EmmettErvin) September 29, 2019
Strange and suspicious… the guy should be investigated
— Gonzalo D-S Geronimo (@GonzaloDSGer27) September 29, 2019
It was hella inappropriate
— jb (@pepsicocom) September 30, 2019
Horrible and unacceptable.
— Ed DeMask (@EdDeMask) October 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/BevGribble/status/1178345122519568386
My God … this is very serious!
What are they waiting for to kick his ass and kick him out of the circuit forever? 😤😤— Sagittarius 🇪🇸🥘🍷 🎾😷 (@castalia_sempre) September 29, 2019
https://twitter.com/ProdigyRepJoe/status/1178339486633254912
It is disappointing to see a 16-year-old going through this. We are glad that the umpire was banned from the tournament.