Germany showing red card to sexism

BERLIN - Germany's Bibiana Steinhaus insists she is no feminist trailblazer as she prepares to become the first female referee in Europe's top leagues, having already tamed Bayern Munich's stars.

The 38-year-old is on the official list of Bundesliga referees for the forthcoming season, which starts on Friday, meaning she will become the first female ref in the top flights of Germany, England, Spain, France or Italy.

Steinhaus' first Bundesliga match has yet to be announced, but she oversaw Bayern Munich's 5-0 win at Chemnitz last Saturday in the first round of the German Cup and proved she can handle star players.