Female Champions League referee deletes Instagram account, hits out at media, calling her "sexy ref"

An official from the Champions League has expressed her frustration after being addressed as a "sexy ref".

One of the best referees in Albania, Emanuela Rusta has already created history in her officiating career.

The 30-year-old is the first Albanian international referee and the first female in her country's male top division.

However, she has been compelled to remove her Instagram account due to offensive messages she had received.

Rusta hits out at media

Rusta has attacked the media ahead of the game, referring to herself as a "sexy ref" rather than emphasising her skills as a referee.

According to Marca, Rusta told AFP, "They should focus more on my professionalism than on other things.

"You have to fight hard to be accepted. You have to blow the glass ceiling to pieces. Refereeing is not a question of gender, but of competence.

"To make good decisions you need to know the rules of the game perfectly, but also to be physically fit and have a great ability to concentrate."

One headline referring to Rusta as "the sexy referee who raises the temperature" is one that has been published.

Another, from a 2022 Champions League match, said she "stole the show" even though she was only the fourth official.

She continued, "The (Albanian) Referees Association has always focused on promoting women, so my case is not a coincidence or the end of the process.

"I hope that the day is not far off when there are four women refereeing a match in the top men's category.

"Although it is apparently a predominantly male environment, I feel respected and appreciated for the work I do on the field.

"As long as you consider it a professional relationship, you are correct, objective and dedicated, there is no lack of help from colleagues or the Association."

Rusta has already officiated 15 Albanian men's SuperLiga games, two of which have been this year.

She will now be in charge of Sporting Lisbon against Real Madrid on Thursday in their Women's Champions League qualification match.