The Republic of Ireland’s behind-closed-doors Women’s World Cup warm-up match against Colombia on Friday was called off after just 20 minutes for being “overly physical”.
The game, which was played in Brisbane, Australia, was disrupted after Irish midfielder Denise O’Sullivan suffered an injury following a “bang to the shin” amid rough tackles from both teams.
The 29-year-old, who is one of Ireland’s key players, was treated on the field before being taken to the St. Andrew’s hospital in Spring Hill, Queensland after the clash, with the results set to be known this Saturday after a scan.
The Football Association of Ireland (FIA) called on Football Queensland’s referee Caitlin Williams, who had already showed two yellow cards inside the opening 19 minutes, to call off the match.
A statement from the FIA read: 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.
“The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, against Australia in Sydney on July 20.”
According to reports, it was said that Colombia’s coach Nelson Apadia requested for the game to be played behind closed doors, in order to conceal his team’s tactical set up before the tournament.
With the Women’s World Cup just less than a week away, the injury blow to O’Sullivan puts a huge dent in Ireland’s preparations for their first ever outing at the tournament.
Vera Pauw’s team are drawn in Group B with co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada, and the Super Falcons of Nigeria, while Colombia are in Group H with Germany, Morocco and South Korea.
