Player sacked for insulting female referee

A player was sacked by Peruvian champions Deportivo San Martin for insulting a female referee who sent him off during a match last weekend.

Uruguayan striker Mario Leguizamon made insulting remarks with sexual connotations in a television interview after being shown the red card by Silvia Reyes in last Sunday's match against Alianza Atletico.

His comments brought widespread condemnation from other players and women's rights groups.

"San Martin expresses solidarity (with Reyes) not just because she is a lady but also because she is the authority in control of the match and therefore deserves obedience and respect," the club said in a statement yesterday.

General manager Alvaro Barco told reporters: "Leguizamon is leaving because he damaged our image in the eyes of the public."

Leguizamon later said sorry for the outburst but referee Reyes said she would not be accepting his apologies.

"My conscience is clear because I said it in the heat of the moment," he told reporters.

The player also criticised the standard of football in Peru, who have not qualified for a World Cup since 1982.

"It's reality," he said.

"How long has it been since Peru went to the World Cup? How long is it since Peru won anything?"