Umpire Banned For Calling Ball Girl “Sexy”

Chair umpire Gianluca Moscarella has been suspended after calling a ball girl "sexy" during an ATP Challenger in Florence last week.The veteran umpire has been banned from officiating while his comments and conduct are investigated, the ATP announced today.More: Murray, Tsitsipas Win Beijing OpenersOn video of the changeover during a Challenger match between Pedro Sousa and Enrico Dalla Valle, Moscarella can be heard telling the ball girl she is "very sexy" before asking “are you hot… physically or emotionally… or both?”

It isn't the only incident under investigation.When Dalla Valle left the court for a bathroom break, Moscarella offered encouragement to Sousa saying "My dear Pedro… stay concentrated please."The 31-year-old Sousa went on to defeat Dalla Valle 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 and reach the Florence final falling to Marco Trungelitti in straight sets.The ATP said Moscarella is banned while it investigates.

“We are aware of a number of incidents involving chair umpire Gianluca Moscarella during a match between Pedro Sousa and Enrico Dalla Valle at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Florence last week,” the ATP said in a statement. "Moscarella was immediately dismissed from the tournament when the matter was brought to light, and a full investigation has been initiated.“Meanwhile, Moscarella has been provisionally suspended from his services as a contracted ATP official pending the results of the investigation.”Photo credit: www.tomas-berdych.net ]]>