Women’s Super League

ARSENAL have confirmed their WSL game with Aston Villa has been called off after a player tested positive for Covid after visiting Dubai.  
The club says the match postponement, which has provoked fury within the women’s game, is due to safety reasons. 

Arsenal have had their match with Aston Villa postponed due to a player testing positive for CovidCredit: Rex Features

The Gunners squad member who tested positive has not been named. 
However, the club confirmed the individual is not their Republic of Ireland star Katie McCabe who came under fire on social media for her Dubai trip over Christmas. 
In a statement an Arsenal spokeswoman said: “Although initially all of our first team players tested negative on return from the Christmas break, one player has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19 this week. 
“As a result, several first team players are now observing a period of self-isolation as a precaution in accordance with FA and UK Government protocol.

“Our FA WSL fixture against Aston Villa Women that was due to be played this weekend has been postponed due to health and safety concerns.” 
The axing of the Gunners’ away game with Villa is the second top tier encounter to be kiboshed by Covid this week. 
Earlier Manchester City announced their match with West Ham had been cancelled after five of their stars got coronavirus. 
This number includes four unnamed City aces who The Telegraph revealed had travelled to Dubai during the Christmas period.

The FA’s decision to allow two of the WSL’s big guns to postpone matches due to Covid outbreaks in their squad has been met with anger.
Association officials say City and Arsenal have proven they are not currently able to meet the minimum squad quota of 14 players.
However, fans on social media flagged Bristol being forced to field a team of academy kids against Man City in November after five Robins were self-isolating.
And some figures within the sport have accused the game’s authorities of having double standards. 
In a scathing post on Twitter Reading ace, Emma Mitchell accused the sport’s bigwigs of having alternate rules for different teams.
In her tweet published before the cancellation of Arsenal’s match, Mitchell wrote: “Cue the Arsenal game getting postponed..

Aston Villa will have to wait until January 17 to play their first league game this yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“We see you @BarclaysFAWSL @FA different rules for different teams.”
A new date for the Gunners’ clash with Villa is yet to be announced.
The Midlands side – who are currently second from bottom in the table – now have three games in hand on their WSL rivals.

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ALANNAH KENNEDY and Shelina Zadorsky have given Tottenham a January transfer boost by agreeing to permanent contracts with the club.
The former Orlando Pride pair, who were due to depart at the end of 2020, have agreed to permanent deals which will initially run until the end of the season

Alanna Kennedy is targetting a mid-table finish with Tottenham after agreeing to a permanent transferCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

Kennedy, who has been capped 87 times by Australia, has made 12 Spurs appearances across all competitions so far this term. 
The Matildas ace had initially made a temporary switch to the club after the Covid crisis shut down America’s National Women’s Soccer League season in 2020.
And the midfielder, 25, whose side will play Birmingham on Sunday, says she is targeting a mid-table finish with her team-mates. 
Kennedy told Tottenham’s website: “I’m so excited and happy to be here.

“When I signed there was always the potential for me to stay longer and when the decision had to be made, I didn’t feel ready to end my time here.
“As a team we’re moving in an upward direction and starting to show what we are capable of.
“I believe in our goals and want to help the team fulfil our potential this season.

“We have more to build on and more to give in this league. We want to lift the Club to where we think it should be and finish in the top half of the table.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there this year.”
Tottenham, who suffered a blow with World Cup superstar Alex Morgan leaving the club to return to the USA, have also agreed to a permanent deal with Shelina Zardorsky. 
The Canada international, 27, reckons the decision to extend her stay in London was a straightforward one. 

Shelina Zadorsky says her decision to stay at Tottenham was an ‘easy one’ Credit: Alamy Live News
Zadorsky said: “It was an easy decision to make. As a group, moving up the table and giving our fans something to be proud of are our main goals.
“Personally, I also want to ensure we build a solid defence and keep more clean sheets.
“It’s a new chapter for the Club, our confidence is high and our aim is to push on from here.”

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EMMA MITCHELL has made a sly dig at the FA’s ‘different rules for different teams’ after Manchester City’s game with West Ham was postponed.
City requested that the match was called off after four aces tested positive for Covid-19 following a trip to Dubai, according to reports.

Reading star Emma Mitchell has hit out at the FA’s ‘different rules for different teams’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Reading ace Mitchell wrote on Twitter: “Queue the Arsenal game getting postponed..
“We see you @BarclaysFAWSL @FA different rules for different teams.”
It is understood that the Gunners have also requested a postponement of their away trip to Aston Villa after a positive coronavirus test in camp.
The positive result followed three of Arsenal’s senior international players reportedly travelling to Dubai over the festive period, after London moved into Tier 4 restrictions.

Gunners icon Ian Wright slammed the move by his former club.
He wrote on Twitter: “So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!
“Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game.”
Bristol City were forced to field a team of academy kids against City in November after five of their players were self-isolating.

So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!😕 Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game. https://t.co/EWVfdTsl2o
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 6, 2021

WSL fixtures Sat 9 January / Sun 10 January

Saturday 9 January
Manchester City vs West Ham POSTPONED
Aston Villa vs Arsenal 12:30pm
Sunday 10 January
Everton vs Manchester United 12pm
Tottenham vs Birmingham 2pm
Reading vs Chelsea 2pm
Bristol vs Brighton 2pm

The senior stars share a house and one of the players developed coronavirus symptoms.
The club requested a postponement of the clash but were told to make the trip to Manchester as the FA were satisfied the club had “followed Covid-19 protocols and had enough players available”.
Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby said the game should not have been played because of safety concerns, however no positive tests were returned.
An FA Spokesperson said the health and safety of players and staff will “always be the number one priority when coming to a decision on scenarios such as this”.
On Twitter, Hammers boss Beard blasted the decision.
He said: “Sends a terrible message.
“Aston Villa’s games were postponed. No one wants games to be called off but common sense has to be used.
“We don’t have big squads and our academy systems are relatively new.”
The WSL has been given the green light to resume this weekend despite the surge in coronavirus cases.
The FA confirmed on Tuesday that 15 positive results came back from the 635 tests that were carried out in the WSL and Championship between 28 December and 3 January.
Players in the top two divisions in women’s football are currently tested once a week.
SunSport understands that this will remain the same despite ramped up testing in the Premier League to twice a week.

Sends a terrible message. Aston Villa’s games were postponed. No one wants games to be called off but common sense has to be used. We don’t have big squads & our academy systems are relatively new. https://t.co/lTPt8THijp
— Matthew Beard (@mattbeard02) November 7, 2020

WSL stars under fire for appearing to ‘break Covid rules’ as West Ham and Arsenal players jet off on luxury trips – the sun More

FORMER CHARLTON ace Madelene Wright has launched an OnlyFans account after being sacked by the club at the start of December.
The 22-year-old was axed after controversial videos of her swigging champagne while driving and inhaling from a balloon were uploaded to Snapchat.

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Ex-Charlton star Madelene Wright has set up an OnlyFans accountCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

The stunning footballer has 140k followers on Instagram and Twitter combinedCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

Madelene Wright’s OnlyFans page was set up one month after she was sacked from Charlton for ‘swigging champagne while driving’Credit: OnlyFans / @madelenewright
Now the ex-Millwall star has decided to showcase her talents off the pitch, by revealing to her 140k fans on Twitter and Instagram that she has set up an OnlyFans page.
Wright posted a video to her social media profiles with the caption: “Check the bio..” in reference to her new account on the X-rated site.
The ex-Addicks superstar is charging £33 for a monthly subscription to her page.

The news has sent her fans into meltdown, but one Twitter user saw the funnier side by joking: “Signed up and she’s stood there doing kick ups.”
Wright has been without a club for a month since Charlton let her go after a series of controversial videos were uploaded to Snapchat.
It is understood that in the clips the 22-year-old can be seen at a party with friends, where a number of people were inhaling from balloons.
A second video allegedly showed the former Championship footballer drinking champagne while driving her luxury Range Rover.

After the clips were shared on social media, Charlton Athletic confirmed that Wright’s registration had been cancelled and that she will no longer play for the club.

The ex-Millwall ace was reportedly seen ‘swigging champagne’ at the wheel of her luxry Range Rover at the start of Decemeber

Wright has played for both Charlton and Millwall

The star had previously been investigated by her former club Millwall after she filmed a friend holding a dog with its paws on the steering wheel

A spokesperson for the Addicks told SunSport at the time: “The club were made aware of the video and quickly investigated the incident.
“As a club we are disappointed with the behaviour which doesn’t represent the standards the team upholds.
“The player is remorseful and has now left the club.
“The club would like to make clear that although the behavior is not acceptable, the players welfare remains important to us and she will still have access to the club’s support channels if needed.”
Maddie was also investigated by former club Millwall in October last year after she filmed from the backseat while the driver puts a dog’s paws on the steering wheel.
Joshua Harris of road safety charity, Brake, told Sun Sport: “Driving and alcohol simply do not mix.
“When you’re behind the wheel you’re in charge of a potentially lethal weapon which requires full concentration and zero impairment to do so safely.
“We urge all drivers to never drink any amount of alcohol and drive – and certainly never do both at the same time.”

Wright has not been playing football since she was let go by the AddicksCredit: Instagram / @madelene_wright

Wright posts regularly on social media to her many fans

Charlton Women’s footballer Madelene Wright films friend driving car whilst holding a dog More

JODIE TAYLOR has extended her loan spell with European champions Lyon until the end of the season. 
The England forward, 34, joined the French side from OL Reign on a short-term contract which was originally due to end in December 2020. 

Jodie Taylor will remain at Lyon on loan until the end of the season Credit: Getty – Contributor

However, the Lionesses striker, who has made seven appearances for Lyon, is thought to have impressed with her performances. 
And Taylor, who plays for Lyon alongside England teammate Nikita Parris, came on as a second-half sub during the club’s 2020 Women’s Champions League triumph. 
The Birkenhead-born star arrived at the French title-holders with an impressive international CV following her 41 England appearances. 
The OL Reign ace was a top scorer at the 2017 Women’s European Championship. 

And Taylor, whose club play Stade Reims in France’s top flight on Friday, described her summer switch as a move too good to miss out on. 
In August Taylor told Lyon’s website: “I talked a lot with my English teammates and I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the world.”
Lyon, who are currently the most successful side in the history of French women’s football, hope to win their fourteenth league title this season. 
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Jodie Taylor will be helping Lyon to retain their Champions League crown and French titleCredit: Reuters

The club, whose former stars include Wales ace Jess Fishlock and England’s Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood, are the most club in the Women’s Champions League. 
The French side have won the competition a record-breaking seven times. 
And they are due to feature in the February draw for round 16 of the contest alongside Chelsea and Manchester City. 

Lionesses in training More

THE Women’s Super League has been given the green light to resume this weekend despite coronavirus cases surging again.
The women’s top-flight was among a number of divisions that bit the dust last season amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Chelsea were confirmed as Women Super League champions last season after the table was determined by points-per-game

The Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown on Monday night as the mutant Covid strains spread out of control.
The FA confirmed on Tuesday that 15 positive results came back from the 635 tests that were carried out in the WSL and Championship between 28 December and 3 January.
Players in the top two divisions in women’s football are currently tested once a week.
It is understood that this will remain the same despite ramped up testing in the Premier League to twice a week.

In a statement, the FA told SunSport: “To ensure transparency, The FA will continue to release Covid-19 testing results each week across both the WSL and Championship.
“Protocols are currently in place for testing once a week and players will be tested before they return to training. 
“These protocols will continue to be regularly reviewed and we will provide any further updates in due course.”  
It is unsure if Arsenal’s trip to Aston Villa will go ahead on Saturday after the North Londoners reportedly requested a postponement after a positive test in camp.

According to the Telegraph, the Gunners are said to be ‘furious’ after a team-mate was hit with Covid following a trip to Dubai over the Christmas break.
Arsenal icon Ian Wright slammed his former club’s reported request to postpone their away game at the West Midlands club.

So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!😕 Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game. https://t.co/EWVfdTsl2o
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 6, 2021

WSL fixtures Sat 9 January / Sun 10 January

Saturday 9 January

Manchester City vs West Ham 12:30pm
Aston Villa vs Arsenal 12:30pm

Sunday 10 January
Everton vs Manchester United 12pm
Tottenham vs Birmingham 2pm
Reading vs Chelsea 2pm
Bristol vs Brighton 2pm

He wrote on Twitter: “So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!
“Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game.”
It is unclear whether Manchester City’s game with West Ham will go ahead on Saturday after FOUR aces tested positive.
It is claimed that the club has also requested a postponement as they battle their Covid-19 outbreak.
The Citizens stars were said to have caught the virus after reportedly jetting off to Dubai.
It is understood that the unnamed aces had the club’s full permission to fly to UAE as Manchester wasn’t under Tier 4 restrictions at the time.
Before Christmas the Hammers scrapped their home game with Villa due to atleast five players contracting the virus.
And Chelsea were forced to axe their match with Tottenham after an outbreak in the women’s camp.
FA figures over the festive period revealed a huge spike in the number of individuals testing positive across the women’s top two divisions.
It was confirmed that 32 Covid test results have come back positive from 864 carried out in the third week of December. 
This is the largest number of positive results returned so far this season

WSL stars under fire for appearing to ‘break Covid rules’ as West Ham and Arsenal players jet off on luxury trips – the sun More

ARSENAL WOMEN are said to be ‘furious’ after a team-mate was hit with Covid-19 following a trip to Dubai over the Christmas break.
According to the Telegraph, the Gunners have requested a postponement of their outing to Aston Villa this Saturday as players self-isolate.

Katie McCabe has not tested positive for coronavirus after a trip to Dubai Credit: Getty – Contributor

Arsenal ace Katie McCabe posted a snap of her Dubai trip on Instagram over Christmas before deleting it amid backlash

Three of Arsenal Women’s senior international players reportedly travelled to Dubai over the festive period, after London moved into Tier 4 restrictions.
And it is claimed that one of the aces has since tested positive for coronavirus.
Gunners icon Ian Wright slammed his former club’s reported request to postponed the Villa clash.
He wrote on Twitter: “So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!

“Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game.”
The North London club has reportedly reminded the players involved of their responsibilities, but investigated the trips and concluded they were made for ‘business’ reasons.
It’s claimed the players are not set to receive any punishment but senior staff at the club are said to be very disappointed with their decisions to fly out.
As reported by the Telegraph, many of their team-mates are ‘furious’ at the players, who travelled after London was hit with Tier 4 restrictions.

Several Gunners stars are said to be isolating under Covid-19 protocols after coming into close contact with the player who has tested positive.
Republic of Ireland skipper Katie McCabe was one of the players who jetted off to UAE.
She posted an exotic snap of her getaway on Instagram, but she claimed she was in Dubai for a ‘business meeting with her agent’ amid the backlash.
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So we asking for a postponement because we broke the rules??!!😕 Players have every right to be upset but why should Villa be punished? Play the game. https://t.co/EWVfdTsl2o
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) January 6, 2021

Katie McCabe’s partner Ruesha Littlejohn posted snaps online from Dubai with her sister

West Ham star Alisha Lehmann posted videos of her in the Maldives over Christmas

She has not tested positive for the killer virus since arriving back in the UK, but it is reported that similar trips were made by at least two other first-team players.
FOUR Man City players tested positive after they also allegedly jetted off to Dubai.
The unnamed aces had the club’s full permission to fly to UAE as Manchester wasn’t under Tier 4 restrictions at the time and Dubai’s boarders were open the UK.
Their game against West Ham is also set to be axed after the club reportedly requested a postponement amid the WSL’s Covid crisis.
Hammers icon Alisha Lehmann flew out to the Maldives with her partner Ramona Bachmann over Christmas but escaped a grilling from the club.
A number of other players in the WSL are also known to have gone to Dubai around the same period.
The FA confirmed on Tuesday evening that 15 positive tests came back from the women’s top-flight and Championship between 28 December 2020 and 3 January.
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