Watch: Shocking moment female referee is SLAPPED by a footballer after he is shown red card

This is the shameful moment a male footballer lashes out at a female referee in Colombia. 

Vanessa Ceballos was just trying to do her job as she officiated a midweek clash between Real Alianza Cataquera and Deportivo Quique.

But Real's Javier Bolivar had an issue with her, storming to the touchline from the bench and swiping at the referee.

Ceballos was attempting to give him a red card in the 66th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct, but Bolivar swung at her, which led to the referee kicking out at him while others tried to restrain her. 

Bolivar has apologised and insisted he was not trying to slap the woman with the whistle, but footage of his meltdown has gone viral on social media.

The third-division star has been kicked out of his team and could now be set for a lengthy ban from the Colombian football authorities.

Bolivar said: 'I recognize that my behaviour was disrespectful and inappropriate, unbecoming of an athlete and a human being.

'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.

'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.'

Ceballos is an experienced FIFA referee who was in the first all-female team to referee a men’s professional match in Colombia four years back.

Kicking Bolivar out of the team, the club said: 'Real Alianza categorically condemns the regrettable events that occurred today, in which a player from our club assaulted a refereeing team. This totally unacceptable act does not reflect the values ​​that define us as an institution.

‘The club has made the final decision to retire the player, reaffirming our commitment to respect, discipline, and fair play.

'Violence, in any form, has no place in sport or in society. Just as we condemn the aggression suffered by referees, we also raise our voices against violence against women and any manifestation that violates human dignity. 

‘Football must be a space of peace, respect, brotherhood, and an example for all.’

Roxana Arrieta Cruz, president of the Magdalena Football League, said: 'We do not accept any type of verbal or physical violence against women.

‘Soccer should be a competitive space within the framework of respect for all participants and attendees of the greatest show on earth.’