Women’s Super League

CARLA WARD has been charged with breaching FA conduct rules following comments made in the aftermath of Birmingham City’s loss to Arsenal. 
The manager’s post-game remark that her team “had played against more than 11’’ is deemed to have broken the authority’s regulations.

Carla Ward is facing an FA charge following comments made after Birmingham’s loss to ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

An FA statement said comments made by the Birmingham boss in an interview after the game constituted  “improper conduct” for questioning the “integrity of the match official”. 
During the game, Ward’s players, who are to play Manchester City, held the Gunners at bay until the 57th minute. 
They then went on to concede three goals with the final Arsenal strike coming from the penalty spot in the game’s closing stages.
The Damson Park manager, who described the officiating during the game as “poor on the whole”  said penalty pleas from her side had been declined by referee Christiana Hattersley. 

And the former Sheffield United gaffer said the fourth official had suggested her players would have to hit the turf to win decisions. 
Following the defeat, Ward said: “I’m not going to dress it up, it was one of the worst refereeing performances I think I’ve seen.
“I think overall she was very, very poor. We are talking about the professional game here, and we’ve got Sunday league referees. 
“I asked whether my players had to go down. There were a couple where it looked like they had to go down. 

“The fourth official said to me ‘Did you watch Match of the Day last night? Sadly you have to go down to get something.’
“I said ‘Listen, I’m not going in there and telling my players to go down.’

Carla Ward made comments about the officiating decisions during Arsenal’s 3-0 win against BirminghamCredit: Rex Features

“I asked very clearly at half-time, ‘Do I have to ask my players to go down to get anything here today and jump around?’ Because that’s not how I like things.
The FA says Ward has until Thursday 17 December 2020 to respond to their charges. 
In an official statement, the FA said: “It is alleged that comments made by the  head coach during a post-match interview constitute improper conduct in that they question the integrity of the match official and/or were personally offensive and/or bring the game into disrepute.”

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EMMA HAYES jokes she may have to wear a posh frock over her pyjamas when she joins this year’s Fifa awards via her computer screen. 
The Chelsea boss, who described her nomination as being like an Oscar win, also praised the mentality of star signing Pernille Harder. 

Emma Hayes is on Fifa’s Best Women’s Coach award shortlistCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Hayes, whose unbeaten Blues play Benfica in a Champions League second leg clash, is on the shortlist for a Best Fifa Women’s Coach gong. 
The charismatic manager, 44, whose award rivals include in-coming England boss Sarina Wiegman, says she “is over the moon” to be in “great company”. 
And the Chelsea gaffer jokingly admitted she plans to keep her son busy with a Toy Story movie to deter him from attempting to join her on screen. 
Hayes said: “I have got a lot of musician friends who lived in America when I lived there. 

“And I say to them, ‘this is like being nominated for a Grammy, or an Oscar’. 
“Apparently I have to wear formal attire. But because I’m going to be at home on a computer, I think I’m going to put something over my pyjamas!
“I hope my son is quiet (on the ceremony night).
“If he is not, then I’ll have to feed him some chocolate and put on Toy Story in the background so I can just get 15 minutes.

 “To be among great company, knowing where I came from and knowing how hard I have worked, I’m really proud of myself. I feel like I have just won an Oscar.”

Hayes reckons Pernille Harder’s ‘fantastic mentality’ has been a boost for ChelseaCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

This year’s annual awards hosted by football’s top body is set to be a virtual affair due to pandemic restrictions.
Other big names from Chelsea up for gongs include Sam Kerr, Ji So-Yun and Denmark ace Harder. 
The Danish playmaker was prolific for her old club Wolfsburg scoring 27 times to help them claim their sixth Bundesliga title last term. 

The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable
Emma Hayes on Pernille Harder

And Harder, on target during the Blue’s 5-0 demolition of Benfica, is likely to feature in the Champions League return leg against the Portuguese giants.
Hayes said: “Pernille has got a fantastic mentality and one that has put her where she is today.
“I think it’s important to note that we, as a football club, can’t take any of the credit for this.

Chelsea – unbeaten in the WSL last term – are targeting a quadruple trophy win this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“What I know about the best – and I have coached a lot of top players in my career – is that they have unbelievable attention to detail. 
“And the best always do it on training pitch, day-in, day-out, and Pernille is exceptional in training. 
“The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable.”

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Jonathan Morgan and Melissa Phillips say they would welcome trials of subs for concussed players in the women’s game’s second tier.
And Foxes boss Morgan believes protecting the welfare of players with head injuries is paramount in light of recent cases of dementia in football. 

Jonathan Morgan believes having head injury subs could help protect the wellbeing of concussed playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Morgan, who manages Leicester City Women, told SunSport:  “Having a concussion sub would help the player feel they can come off for as long as they need and not affect the team.
“I think this would be a safer way to make sure we are assessing players properly rather than rushing them to get back out on the pitch. 
“We all know what it is like when it is 0-0, the adrenaline is pumping, there are 10 minutes to go and you are down a player.
“The one who has hurt themselves is sometimes eager to brush it off and get back out there. 

“Obviously we have seen what has happened with the dementia cases in the men’s game at this moment in time. 
“It is really important that the safety of players in the game is paramount.”
London City Lionesses head coach Phillips added: “Our medical staff does a really good job liaising with the FA on all the new protocols coming into place.
“I think anything we can do to protect the players and provide the best environment for their health and safety are options we are willing to look at.” 

Approval of trials of concussion replacements for injured players in the men’s top flight is due to be discussed by the game’s lawmakers on Wednesday. 
And WSL and Women’s Championship chiefs say they would back similar trials in the women’s top two divisions if the move gets the go-ahead from the International FA board. 
In a statement, The FA said: “We can confirm that both leagues would support the trials of an additional permanent substitution for concussions, if approved at the forthcoming IFAB Annual Business Meeting on 16 December 2020. 

Melissa Phillips says she supports options to provide the safest environment for players with concussionCredit: Prime Media

The women’s game’s top two divisions could be set for trials of subs to cover for player concussionCredit: Rex Features

“Player welfare is of paramount importance and we would work closely with the clubs and their medical teams to introduce the trials at the earliest and most appropriate opportunity.”
The topic of substitutes for concussed players on the pitch has been a huge talking point in recent weeks. 
And calls for change have grown louder following the fractured skull suffered by Raul Jimenez after a clash of heads involving Arsenal’s David Luiz during the Gunners’ loss to Wolves.   

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JEAN-LUC VASSEUR joined football’s biggest names in paying respects to Gerrard Houllier who passed away in France at the age of 73. 
The Anfield legend, who won a historic treble with the Reds in 2001, was a technical director of European women’s football giants Lyon. 

Lyon boss Jean-Luc Vasseur (left) says Gerard Houllier helped to launch his football careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Gerrard Houllier was a technical director of the 2019-20 Women’s Champion’s League winnersCredit: Pacific Coast News

In 2019, Houllier was present at Hungary’s Groupama Arena to watch the French title-holders claim their sixth Women’s Champions League trophy by defeating Barcelona.
Manchester City heroine Lucy Bronze and Reading ace Jess Fishlock were among the WSL stars who were part of that triumphant side. 
Vasseur, whose current Lyon team will take on Juventus in a second-leg Women’s Champions League clash, says Houllier played a pivotal role in his career as a player. 
And the ex-Liverpool boss said he was fortunate to know Vasseur as “a man and a player’’ following the 51-year-old’s appointment as boss of the Ligue 1 Women’s football champs in 2019. 

On Houllier’s passing Vasseur said: “I wish to pay tribute to Gérard Houllier. 
“I send my condolences to his relatives. 
“He launched me as a professional player. He was a sparkling person.”
Jamie Carragher and Phil Thompson, Houllier’s coach between 1998 and 2004, are among the other big names who paid tribute to the popular former Prem boss. 

Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange him coming to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got @LFC back winning trophies. RIP Boss. 💔
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) December 14, 2020

Houllier famously oversaw Liverpool to FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup glory in 2001.
In October of that year, he underwent an emergency heart operation after becoming unwell during a Premier League match against Leeds United.
Houllier was rushed to hospital for a surgery following the discovery of a heart condition.

Gerard Houllier led Liverpool to a treble trophy win in 2001Credit: Mirrorpix

He resumed place on the touchline five months later and led Liverpool to a runners-up spot in the 2002 season.
And two years later Houllier Liverpool who went on to appoint Rafa Benitez as his replacement. 
In November 2020 he became a technical director of Lyon Women and of NWSL side OL Reign.

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PLAYERS from both Manchester City and Arsenal wore warm up shirts with ‘Beattie’ on the back ahead of their match today.
The classy gesture is a show of support for Gunners defender Jen Beattie, who opened up about her shattering breast cancer diagnosis on Saturday.

Jen Beattie was diagnosed with breast cancer in October Credit: PA:Press Association

Beattie’s Gunners teammates have been there for her throughout her shock diagnosisCredit: PA:Press Association

Manchester City also aces wore ‘Beattie’ on the back of their warm up shirts in a show of supportCredit: PA:Press Association

Arsenal Women wrote on their Twitter account: “Players from both teams will wear ‘BEATTIE 5’ on the back of their shirts during the warm-up today
“We’re so proud of you, @JBeattie91 – and we’re proud to share your message. Early detection saves lives.”
The Scotland international has also made the starting XI today against fellow title chasers City.
Beattie learned of her shock breast cancer diagnosis in October and she had surgery to remove the lump.

Thankfully the cancer hadn’t spread, meaning she didn’t have to go through rounds of debilitating chemotherapy.
She played for the Gunners in a 3-0 win over Birmingham last time out – but she is set to start radiotherapy in the coming weeks.

Players from both teams will wear ‘BEATTIE 5’ on the back of their shirts during the warm-up today ❤️We’re so proud of you, @JBeattie91 – and we’re proud to share your message 👇Early detection saves lives. pic.twitter.com/UlGSeiiB4u
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) December 13, 2020

And now she wants to raise awareness of young breast cancer sufferers in a bid to encourage women to get checked.
The Arsenal superstar said: “I needed to normalise the conversation and say the words, tumour and cancer, and speak to people because it was so alien to me I never thought anything like this would happen.

“I know people are maybe scared to go to the hospital and scared to get checked out because of Covid, but there are still ways to do it.”
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GUNNERS heroine Jen Beattie has bravely revealed how she has been living with breast cancer whilst playing in the top flight in an emotional BBC interview.
And the WSL ace who was diagnosed in October says she “automatically thought the worst”  and asked her doctor: “Am I going to die?” 

Scotland star Beattie has made four appearances for Arsenal this termCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Arsenal defender Beattie, 29, who has been capped 130 times for Scotland, bravely admitted that she wanted the normalise the conversation around the disease.
Beattie told BBC Football Focus:  “I found a lump in my breast. I checked them quite regularly I would say.
“But something just felt a little bit different and after various tests, I got diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of October. 
“It kind of does seem like a massive blur.

“It completely caught me totally off guard especially with the way this year (2020) has been.   
“You automatically think the worst. I asked the question, ‘Am I going to die?’ that’s what I asked them.
“I was grateful because they allowed my club doctor to be in appointments with me to ask all the right medical questions, because I didn’t have a clue.
“I live a totally healthy lifestyle. I don’t drink, take drugs and I’m  a professional sports star and still that can happen.

“It’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk about this. I needed to normalise the conversation.”

Beattie, who rejoined Arsenal from Manchester City last season has been receiving radiation treatment for her condition. 
So far this term the centre-back has made four appearances for Joe Montemurro’s title-chasing Gunners and played in two games for Scotland. 
The Arsenal heroine tearfully revealed how her team-mates, who will take on Manchester City, have rallied around her.
And stars from across the women’s game and have been posting messages of support on social media.

Jen Beattie reveals her Arsenal team-mates have been rallying round to support herCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
Beattie added: “The girls here were just unbelievable.
“I feel like it’s moments like these or times like these where you realise why you play sport.
“It really is like being part of a family away from family. 
“I don’t know what I would have done without them. That’s the staff and the players. They’ve all been unbelievable.
“The support I’ve had down here has got me through it, for sure.” More

JONATHAN MORGAN says his Leicester City side will not be getting ahead of themselves in their bid to seal a historic promotion to the WSL. 
And the Foxes boss, whose team currently top the Women’s Championship, is “under no illusion” of the threat posed by their closest rivals.

Jonathan Morgan is not taking Leicester’s good form in the Women”s Championship for grantedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Leicester, who reached the last eight of the Conti Cup, by knocking Birmingham out of the contest on penalties, are due to face Charlton in the second tier.
And the in-form team, who have Emile Heskey as their ambassador, have won their last five games across all competitions since the start of November.
However, the gap between Leicester and rivals Liverpool, Durham and Sheffield United is considerably tight.
The fourth-placed Blades are just three points adrift of pole position in the table and former WSL powerhouse Liverpool are just a point behind the Foxes.

Morgan told SunSport: “Right now we’re doing very well. But it’s only halfway through the season.
“There are a lot of twists and turns still to come before the season finishes.
“We are under no illusions that Durham and Sheffield are very, very experienced teams.  
They have a good work ethic, a good mentality that suits this this league – hence why see them competing so well again this year 

 “Liverpool for us are the favourites coming down from WSL 1. 
“To be honest, we still see them as the benchmark of the league and we just want to make sure that we can just try and stay ahead of them. 
“We still think that with their squad they should have the favourites tag on them. 
“But we will keep doing our thing, game-by-game as we understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” 
Leicester have conceded four goals in their last five Championship games.

Leicester City keeper Kirstie Levell is targeting a Golden Gloves win in the Championship
All the encounters – including a home clash with Liverpool – have resulted in victories for Morgan and his players.
However, Kirstie Levell, who pulled off an impressive first-half penalty save during the Foxes’ league cup win against Birmingham, aims to rack up more shutouts. 
The Leicester stopper, 23 who played for England Under-23s, and is also eligible to play for Scotland, is targeting a Golden Gloves win this term. 
Levell told SunSport: “From the very beginning of the season, I said, I want to win the Golden Gloves. 

Leicester will play Charlton who lost seven of their first eight games in the second tier this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“At the end of the season, I want to be the goalkeeper in this league who has the most clean sheets
“At the moment, I don’t think I’m winning that but, at the end of the day, if we’re winning, and and we are keeping clean sheets that is  a major bonus, 
“But if we’re just getting the win and not keeping clean sheets, then I have got to hold my hands up and say, we are getting in the win and that is all that really matters.”

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