It wasn’t one of Katie McCabe’s finer moments. Eight minutes from the end of Arsenal’s critical game away to WSL leaders Chelsea on Sunday the Republic of Ireland captain managed to get herself sent off for foul and abusive language after the award of a penalty that ultimately decided the game.
Arsenal’s Kim Little appeared to have won the ball before bringing down Chelsea’s Lauren James in the box, prompting a furious McCabe to have words with referee Emily Heaslip when she deemed it to be a penalty. That earned her a yellow card, her response to which resulted in her being sent off.
She had further words with the fourth official as she left the pitch, before kicking out at hoardings as she headed for the tunnel.
McCabe, an ever-present for Arsenal this season, will now miss at least one game for them, and possibly more depending on the referee’s report.
Guro Reiten converted the penalty which leaves Arsenal 10 points adrift of the defending champions and one behind Manchester City who are in second.
“Am I disappointed with Katie? No. I wouldn’t say that,” said Arsenal coach Renee Slegers after. “I think she’s developed so much as a person, staying calm and finding the right levels of passion to be at her best.
“I think she’s done that very well over time, and I’ll talk to her and find out what exactly happened, I don’t know the details of the situation.”
In more positive news for Carla Ward, who is due to announce her first Republic of Ireland squad on February 11th for the opening Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia, Kyra Carusa can call off her search for a new club. The striker has been removed from the NWSL’s free agents list, she and San Diego Wave exercising the option to extend her contract for another season.
Ruesha Littlejohn and Marissa Sheva are, though, still looking for new employers after being released by London City Lionesses and Portland Thorns, respectively.
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