IT’S the talk of the Women’s World Cup so far.
Before Australia and Ireland went head-to-head, the players shook hands.
All except Caitlin Foord and Ruesha Littlejohn, with the Irish defender snubbing her Aussie counterpart in the run up to kick off.
Fans suggested the snub – reminiscent of the incident between John Terry and Wayne Bridge – may have been motivated by Littlejohn’s split from long-term partner and Ireland captain Katie McCabe, 27.
They separated after more than seven years together shortly before the World Cup – as confirmed by McCabe on the UK’s Player Tribune.
According to the Daily Mail, McCabe and Foord – who play for Women’s Super League giants Arsenal – are good friends off the field.
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And, along with their Gooner pals, they live a glam lifestyle.
The break-up
Littlejohn and McCabe began dating in 2016, although they didn’t go public with their romance until 2019.
Together, they took part in campaigns designed to help young people who struggle with their sexuality.
However, earlier this week McCabe wrote a piece about life as an Ireland international.
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She discussed the moment former coach Colin Bell named her Irish captain.
In her quotes she referred to missing a call from Bell when she was with “my partner at the time”.
The cat was out the bag. Littlejohn and McCabe were no more and one of Ireland’s most recognised couples was no more.
Best friends
Foord and McCabe are team-mates at Arsenal and reportedly best friends.
The pair regularly enjoy each other’s company, seen together on the pitch celebrating goals and off the field enjoying a footballer’s lifestyle.
Foord, herself, is recently single having split with Swiss midfielder and Arsenal teammate Lia Walti.
However, The Sun does not suggest the Aussie forward had anything to do with McCabe and Littlejohn’s break-up.
Ibiza uncovered
Although we don’t know when they split, McCabe hasn’t wasted any time in enjoying the single life.
Last month, she joined Foord on a sun-drenched holiday to Ibiza, along with ex-Gunners star Jordan Nobbs.
Ironically, Nobbs also plays for Aston Villa with McCabe’s ex, Littlejohn.
They rented a stunning villa that boasted its own swimming pool, where they topped up their tans on surrounding deck chairs.
And they dropped into Ushuaia, where they enjoyed DJ’s including Andrea Oliva and Nic Fanciulli.
McCabe, Foord and Nobbs posed for selfies in front of the stage as they lapped up their party surroundings.
While they also made time for a beach day, showing off their athletic physiques and bikini bodies.
The holiday drew plenty of comments, including ex-Arsenal keeper Mat Ryan.
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Speaking about the Ibiza trip he joked: “A photo or two didn’t make the cut 🙈😂”.
Amusingly, Foord replied to his comment: “@matyryan didn’t wanna break the internet with that one😅”.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
