A friendly match between Women’s World Cup-bound teams Ireland and Colombia was abandoned after becoming overly physical, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said on Friday.
The game in Brisbane, Australia, which was played behind closed doors, was called off after 20 minutes.
“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 FAI said in a statement.
“The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023...”
READ:England held by Canada in FIFA Women’s World Cup warmup; Spain, Italy win
The Colombian Football Federation said that the friendly match was suspended because the Irish team “preferred not to continue playing after 23 minutes of the first half”.
“While all the processes and training of our national teams are framed within the rules of the game, healthy competition and FairPlay, among others, we respect the decision of our rival team,” the body added.
Irish media reported that midfielder Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital after suffering a shin injury during the match.
Reuters has reached out to the FAI for comment on the injury.
Ireland is playing in its first World Cup which is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20-August 20.
It begins its Group B campaign against host Australia on July 20 before facing Canada and Nigeria.
Colombia will play a second friendly training clash against China ahead of its opener against South Korea on July 24 before facing Germany and Morocco in Group H.
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