World Cup warm-up match abandoned after 20 mins for being ‘overly physical’
A Women’s World Cup warm-up match was halted after barely 20 minutes due to one side’s ‘overly physical’ approach which left an opposing player in hospital.
Ireland were taking on Colombia in a friendly at Meakin Park in Brisbane as part of their preparations for the World Cup, which begins on Thursday, July 20.
However, just halfway through the first half, Ireland head coach Vera Pauw asked officials to stop the game after what was perceived to be an over-the-top tackle on Denise O’Sullivan, reports The Telegraph. O’Sullivan was taken to hospital with a suspected shin injury and is awaiting the results of a scan.
Ireland begin their campaign against hosts Australia in Sydney on the opening day of the tournament.
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Colombia released a statement on the abandonment, saying the match “was suspended because the Irish National Team, a rival in practice this Friday, preferred not to continue playing when 23 minutes of the first half had already elapsed”.
The statement added: “Although all the processes and training of our teams are framed within the rules of the game, healthy competition and FairPlay, among others, we respect the decision of our rival team.”
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Meanwhile, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said: “The behind-closed-doors game between the Ireland women’s national team and Colombia on Friday evening was ended after 20 minutes of play.
“The game, which was held in Meakin Park, Brisbane, became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game.
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“The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game against Australia in Sydney on July 20.”
Ireland and Australia are joined in Group B by Canada and Nigeria.
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