A shocking incident in Colombian football has sparked outrage after referee Vanessa Ceballos was slapped during a midweek match, forcing players and staff to intervene as tempers flared on the pitch.
Ceballos was officiating the clash between Real Alianza Cataquera and Deportivo Quique when Real player Javier Bolivar, who had been on the sidelines, lost his composure after being shown a red card in the 66th minute.
Footage shows Bolivar storming towards the referee before she had even finished raising the card.
As he turned to walk away, he struck Ceballos across the face with his right hand, leaving the official visibly enraged.
Javier Bolivar appeared to slap the female referee, though the footballer has protested his innocence
|X
She reacted instinctively by trying to kick out at the player before team-mates and staff restrained her from further confrontation.
The ugly flashpoint immediately drew furious reactions from those on the pitch.
One goalkeeper shoved Bolivar away, while other players stepped in to protect the referee.
Within minutes, clips of the incident circulated widely on social media, drawing widespread condemnation of Bolivar’s behaviour and calls for heavy punishment.
JUST IN: Erling Haaland so angry he 'can't sleep' with Man City star left astonished by decision
Colombian football authorities are now expected to investigate the matter, with Bolivar facing the prospect of a lengthy suspension and potentially further sanctions given the seriousness of the act.
In the aftermath, Bolivar posted an apology on Instagram, although his explanation has done little to calm the backlash.
He denied that he deliberately slapped Ceballos, instead claiming he was trying to grab the whistle from her mouth.
“I recognise that my behaviour was disrespectful and inappropriate, unbecoming of an athlete and a human being,” Bolivar wrote.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
#EnVideo📹
— ENTÉRATE 📢 (@enterate_0812) September 3, 2025
"Vergonzoso"
📌..El jugador Javier Bolivar del Real Alianza Cataquera, bofeteó a la arbitro Vanessa Ceballos.
La árbitra de la tercera división (C) del fútbol Colombiano 🇨🇴, manifestó sentirse humillada.
✍️.Este degenerado que no juegue más nunca🤬 @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/hgXWxSFqGt
“By foolishly trying to take the whistle out of the referee's mouth, I acted incorrectly, sending a negative message that should never have happened.
"I want to make it absolutely clear that at no time was there any physical aggression toward the referee.”
He continued: “However, I understand that my gesture was offensive and portrayed her as contrary to the values of football and respect.
"Therefore, I humbly apologize to her, her family, the women, and everyone who was affected by what happened.
"I firmly reject any form of violence, especially against women.
"Women deserve all our respect, care, and admiration.
"My commitment is to work on my personal and athletic growth so as to never again repeat an act that violates anyone's dignity.”
Despite the statement, fans, pundits, and fellow professionals remain unconvinced, with many highlighting that the footage clearly shows a physical strike.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Vanessa Ceballos was left stunned after being slapped in the face
|X
The Colombian players’ union has already voiced its support for Ceballos, insisting that referees must be protected and respected on the field.
For Ceballos, the incident is another reminder of the growing challenges referees face in the modern game, where abuse from players, coaches, and fans remains a major issue.
Football authorities in Colombia are under pressure to make an example of Bolivar to deter similar acts in the future.