Republic of Ireland’s Match Against Colombia Abandoned After O’Sullivan Injury – Women’s World Cup 2023

• Republic match against Colombia abandoned after Denise O’Sullivan injury.

The Republic of Ireland’s behind-closed-doors practice match against Colombia was abandoned after 20 minutes after becoming what the Football Association of Ireland said was “overly physical”.

It has been reported that midfielder Denise O’Sullivan had to go to hospital for a scan on a shin injury sustained in Friday’s game.

The FAI said it decided to end the match, which took place in Brisbane’s Meakin Park, after consultation with the match officials.

The Colombian Football Federation released a statement of its own which said that while the training of its teams was “framed within the rules of the game, healthy competition and fair play”, it respected Ireland’s decision to abandon the game.

The Republic team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game of the Women’s World Cup against hosts Australia in Sydney on 20 July.

In a statement, the FAI said: “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 Colombian Football Federation said: “The Colombian Football Federation informs that the friendly match that was to take place as part of today’s training between the Colombia women’s national team and Ireland was suspended because the Irish national team preferred not to continue playing when 23 minutes of the first half had elapsed.

“Although all the processes and training of our teams are framed within the rules of the game, healthy competition and fair play, we respect the decision of our rival team.