Referee to Egonu: 'You black, I'm discriminated against because I'm fat'

Martina Scavelli has announced that she is resigning as a Serie B volleyball referee because she is tired of being discriminated against for being overweight.

"I can't stand anymore - writes Scavelli in a post on Facebook - being measured and weighed like cows!".

In her post, the referee, who lives in Catanzaro, addresses the volleyball player Paola Egonu with the phrase: "You're black, I'm fat!"

"Sport - adds Martina Scavelli - should unite, rather than marginalize.

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I exceeded the predicted values ​​for BMI and waist circumference and nothing excessive emerged.

I received a 3-point penalty in the Sector Managers score and exemption from employment until the expected values ​​were reached.

The penalty will lead me, at the end of the season, to move from Serie B to the regional championship, taking a huge step backwards.

Parameters out of the norm, of course, but only slightly.

A little that doesn't affect the quality of my service.

As if three extra fingers on my waist could jeopardize a game of volleyball which, by the way, doesn't involve the referee running around the field like in soccer.

Rules are rules, I have accepted them and I respect them, but that doesn't mean they are sacred and immutable.

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I have always been aware of the regulations related to the activity of referee and I have maintained a scrupulously observant behavior of the rules, also with regard to anthropometric parameters.

I have always self-reported the moment I realized that I exceeded the imposed parameters.

I have always suspended myself.

To date, however, I am not willing to accept that a career based on sacrifices and the utmost respect can be 'trampled' by such impositions that do not include tolerance thresholds". "So I decided to say enough - the referee continues - for me and for all fat people.

Enough of rules that are not always enforced 'erga omnes'.

Enough for those who rely on numbers and bury their emotions".