LIANNE SANDERSON criticised the FA after not receiving an invite to a celebration of former Lionesses during the national team’s duel with the USA
The ex-England striker was dismayed after an error saw her name misspelt in a match programme feature on English stars’ in the US women’s game.
The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea, ace, who is a football pundit, said “the hurt was real” in a post published on her Twitter page.
In her frank tweet, former England forward urged the FA to ensure past players for England are not forgotten.
Sanderson, 34, who has 50 senior international caps, said: “At this point, I can’t say I’m surprised.
“All I can say is I’m sick of the hurt the systematic abuse has caused me throughout the years.
“They forgot about me before and many times before that and last night was just another example.
“All former Lionesses were invited to Wembley last night and got many souvenirs of their time playing for England, which I’m happy about especially after raising this issue at the Houses of Parliament four years ago.
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“When asked what the FA can do? My response was, don’t make former players feel like they are forgotten about and I wasn’t talking about myself.
“A lot of former players feel that way played for England.
“Now look everyone was invited except me. That makes sense.
“I retired because a sport I loved so much wasn’t showing me love back. These are some of the reasons.
“Then to spell my name wrong in the programme and on the big screen, they forgot about my 50th cap.
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“So at least allow me some moments to be proud of.
“I’ve created a career in media myself, no handouts or help from anyone after being ostracised for telling the truth and I will continue to do so.”
Following Sanderson’s tweet, the FA released a statement apologising to the former Lioness.
A spokesperson said: “We are sorry. We invited Lianne, along with more than 200 former players, to last night’s celebrations but she didn’t receive it.
“We have been in touch with her representatives to explain.
“We also apologise for her name being misspelt in the programme.
“With 50 caps, Lianne is an England great and deserves full recognition for the service she gave to the national team.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
