Tom Hamilton, Senior WriterJul 14, 2023, 08:32 AM ET
Close• Joined ESPN in 2011
• Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours
• Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018
The Republic of Ireland’s final warm-up match ahead of the Women’s World Cup, against Colombia, was called off after 20 minutes due to it becoming “overly physical.”
A statement from the FAI said the match was abandoned after consultation with the officials bringing a halt to the behind-closed-doors clash in Australia at Meakin Park, Brisbane.
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Sources told ESPN that Ireland’s Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital for treatment on a shin injury after a series of robust challenges.
The FAI’s statement 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.”
It was Ireland’s final warm-up match ahead of their World Cup opener against Australia on July 20.
The Colombian FA also released a statement which said the Irish team “preferred not to continue” and added “we follow the rules of fair play.”
