A warm-up game for the FIFA Women’s World Cup between the Republic of Ireland and Columbia ended abruptly on Friday after only about 20 minutes of play, because the match became «too physical,» team officials said.
One player was also reportedly hospitalized as a result.
Denise O’Sullivan of the Republic of Ireland calls for a pass during the women’s friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and Colombia at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, ahead of the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
He Football Association of Ireland (FAI) issued a statement confirming that the session held at Meakin Park, Brisbane, was called off by officials due to the physical nature of the match, with the players opting to take part in a «full training session».
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«The closed-door match between the Irish Women’s National Team and Colombia on Friday night ended after 20 minutes of play,» the statement read, via The Independent.
Republic of Ireland players, left to right, Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise O’Sullivan, Heather Payne, Sinead Farrelly and Kyra Carusa stand to play the National Anthem before the women’s friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and Colombia in Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia. , before the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
«The game, which was held at Meakin Park, Brisbane, became too physical and it was decided, after consultation with the match officials, to end the game.»
«The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. against australia in Sydney on July 20.
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Sources told ESPN that midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to a hospital after suffering a shin injury. Local media reported that two Colombia players had received yellow cards in the first 19 minutes.
Columbia’s Lorena Bedoya Durango in action against Republic of Ireland’s Denise O’Sullivan during the women’s friendly match between the Republic of Ireland and Colombia at Meakin Park in Brisbane, Australia, ahead of the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. (Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
The Colombian Football Federation also issued a statement, but said the match was suspended after Ireland «preferred not to continue playing when 23 minutes of the first half had already elapsed.»
«Although all the processes and training of our teams are framed within the rules of the game, healthy competition and fair play, among others, we respect the decision of our rival team.»
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The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to start on July 20 and is hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Associated Press contributed to this report.