Sexism row ref Massey in fresh storm as fans complain over McNaughton's 'deliberate' shove

Full force: Assistant referee Sian Massey feels the power of Cardiff City player Kevin McNaughton's shoulder as she is hurled out of his way

But fans who watched Monday's game on Sky were enraged after it appeared that Massey had been 'violently knocked to the ground' by the 28-year-old Cardiff player who was blocked in a run by Boro's Rhys Williams.

McNaughton is seen running to keep the ball in play when appears to steer, drop his shoulder and hurl himself into Massey, who was hit with such force that her head snaps back and she is flung across the pitch.

Some viewers have demanded that he should say sorry for his actions. However his agent has said he does not need to apologise for anything.

Kevin McNaughton stops the ball from going over the line, just where Sian Massey was standing

She is flung along the pitch a couple of metres by the force of the 'collision'

Fortunately, 25-year-old Massey took the event in good humour and was seen smiling as she got back up off the ground.

The crowd cheered as she falls to the ground but, keeping her composure and professionalism, she gets back up and even gives a goal kick before having a chuckle with referee Graham Scott.

Sprawling: Massey is flung to the ground but McNaughton runs off without as much as an apology

Some fans have speculated on YouTube that the actions appear to be deliberate.

One user said: 'He changes direction. It's deliberate and disgusting. The fact that he just trots off makes it more obvious.'

Another said: 'He makes the challenge on the Boro player and then deliberately side steps and increases his speed into the path of Sian Massey before using his body weight to barge her over.

'She's lucky not to have any broken bones.'

She sees the funny side of the incident, however, and shares a chuckle with referee Graham Scott

The incident happened on Monday afternoon when Cardiff was beaten 3-0 at home to Middlesbrough.

A club spokesman said: 'Kevin didn't do it on purpose - he was trying to get the ball.'

Knockdown: Cardiff City player Kevin McNaughton has been accused by some fans of running into referee Sian Massey on purpose