Jurgen Klopp and Frank Lampard Hail Appointment of Female Referee in UEFA Super Cup

Stephanie Frappart will create history by being the first woman to officiate a major UEFA men’s game. In lieu of her appointment, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard have lauded the decision. Frappart will be present at the UEFA Super Cup when Chelsea take on reigning champions Liverpool.

According to Klopp, it is high time a woman refereed,?since female officials have been officiating in German men’s football.

Speaking about Frappart’s appointment, he said, “My answer would be finally, I?think it is time.”

“I have a lot of experience with female?referees in?Germany. It took a while before she was considered ? not by the professionals, more by the referees ??to be ready.?Meanwhile, she has settled and I?am really happy we can be part of this historic?moment.”

“It is a very smart decision to have a woman to be the referee in a very important game before millions of people.”

“I am pretty sure,?with all the emotions involved, we will all try not to make it more difficult than the game is. I will be showing my best face, otherwise my mum would be angry.”

“It is the first one, so maybe that makes it more special, but I?hope it is not the last.”

Meanwhile, former Chelsea star, Lampard believes that the Women’s World Cup in?France likely influenced the decision. Frappart refereed the final between the USA and the Netherlands. Her ability during that match just proved that more women should?be involved in the sport’s biggest matches.

“I am very pleased to be a part of this moment in history, it is very much due,” he said.

“The game has come a long way, in many ways:?in terms of the Women’s World Cup,?which we all watched;?in terms of how much respect the game is getting;?how many people are watching it.?

“We were very slow on this in many ways and they are now getting the interest. We are very pleased to be part of it and that we are making big strides in the development. It is a historic moment and another step in the right direction, I would say.”

However, Stephanie Frappart will not be officiating the Liverpool-Chelsea UEFA Super Cup clash alone. Joining her on the pitch will be France’s Manuela Nicolosi and Ireland’s Michelle O?Neill.

Klopp’s Liverpool had a good start to their Premier League charge when they beat Norwich City, 4-1. Goals came, courtesy Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Divock Origi, as well as an own goal. Chelsea, on the other hand, were routed by Manchester United, 4-0. Goals flowed for the Red Devils, courtesy a Marcus Rashford brace, Anthony Martial and newcomer Daniel James.