Denise O’Sullivan sustained bruising but thankfully no break to her shin-bone after a challenge she shipped during Ireland’s abandoned World Cup warm-up game vs Colombia.
Ireland walked off the field immediately after the incident, citing a number of “overly physical challenges” from their Colombian opponents. Just 23 minutes of the match had been played, but it was at that point when Ireland made the call.
With the game taking place in such close proximity to Ireland’s World Cup group stage opener against Australia, the team saw no benefit in finishing the game. That group stage bow takes place this Thursday, with Cork woman O’Sullivan reportedly in a race against time to make it.
Not that the Colombians felt much pity.
After the game, their star player and centre back Daniela Caracas reportedly said “Let them eat shit” regarding the Ireland team.
Caracas went outside the stadium to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans. In the fan footage, Caracas interacts with a Colombia supporter who asked why the game ended so early. She replied:
“They are little girls. There was a tackle and they started to complain. They said they were going to see if the wanted to continue playing or not, so our coach [Nelson Abadía] said we are not going to wait for them to decide.”
Footage has since emerged of the incident that has left O’Sullivan in a protective boot.
Foul on Denise O’Sullivan in Ireland v Colombia game. Match abandoned moments later. pic.twitter.com/CKrYsiT4xP
— Gavin Cummiskey (@Cumoski) July 16, 2023
Ireland manager Vera Pauw wasn’t pleased after the incident.
“We don’t fear any physical contact, you know that,” she told the assembled media. We ourselves as a team play within the rules of the game, a very tough playing team”.
“And I want to highlight that we had the least fouls of qualifying campaign. So, we always challenge within the rules of the game, but this was out of the rules of the game”.
The 29-year-old plays midfield, has 100 caps for her country and is one of our best players.
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