Female referee Frappart makes history by taking charge of men’s Super Cup

France’s Stephanie Frappart made history by becoming the first female referee to take charge of a major European men’s game in the Super Cup on Wednesday. Frappart is the foremost female official in the world game having refereed the Women’s World Cup final in July as well as men’s matches in Ligue 1. She was part of an all-female officiating team with assistants Manuela Nicolosi from Italy and Ireland’s Michelle O’Neill for the all-English clash between Liverpool and Chelsea. Background Match officials Manuela Nicolosi, Stephanie Frappart and Michelle O’Neill lead out the teams (Nick Potts/PA) Frappart’s appointment was welcomed by managers and players from both teams ahead of the match. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard said: “It’s great news. I am very pleased to be a part of this moment in history. It is very much due.” Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp also described the appointment as overdue, saying: “I think it’s time. It’s the first one, it’s special, but I hope it’s not the last time.” Reds defender Virgil Van Dijk, meanwhile, said: “Gender is irrelevant and if the quality is there – and it is because she’s been appointed to this game for a reason – then that’s fine. I think she deserves this game.” Control Frappart with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and James Milner (Nick Potts/PA) Frappart had a comfortable evening with few flash-points or moments of dissent from players. She did not issue a card until the 79th minute when she booked Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta for a foul on Sadio Mane. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson also went in the book for a foul on Emerson. The Frenchwoman kept up with play throughout the match and will consider her night’s work a success. Decisions Frappart signals a free-kick after Christian Pulisic’s ‘goal’ was ruled out for offside (Peter Byrne/PA) Frappart’s assistants took centre stage with three excellent decisions. First Christian Pulisic ran through before finding the net apparently to make it 2-0 to Chelsea but the flag went up to indicate the United States international was offside, which was confirmed by VAR. Early in the second half, Chelsea appealed for offside against Roberto Firmino as he set up Mane for the equaliser but the flag stayed down and a VAR check showed the decision was again correct. Chelsea then had another ‘goal’ chalked off when the flag went up to deny Mason Mount, another call that was supported by technology. Frappart’s most contentious call came very early when an acrobatic effort from Mane hit Andreas Christensen’s arm but it was from very close range and no penalty was given. Topics Chelsea, Liverpool, Chelsea, Liverpool, UEFA Super Cup Mo Salah plays keepy-uppy with young amputee footballers Adrian set for first Liverpool start in Super Cup final Liverpool and Chelsea fans able to apply for UEFA Super Cup tickets from Tuesday Quiz! Can you name the last 50 scorers in Liverpool vs Chelsea matches? Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties in Istanbul to win Super Cup A case of mistaken identity for Jorginho? Macclesfield winding-up petition is adjourned Rangers on verge of signing Leicester midfielder Andy King on loan Bolton sale set to go through after Bassini injunction amended Neymar has chosen his preferred destination between Barcelona and Real Madrid – but it’s not that simple Jurgen Klopp decided to take a massive gamble in the transfer window – here’s why Liverpool vs Chelsea live stream: how to watch the UEFA Super Cup final Juventus have made contact with Christian Eriksen – but there’s some good news for Tottenham 7 players who were persistently linked with Premier League moves… but never came