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      West Ham Women’s boss Paul Konchesky sent off after huge bust-up with Aston Villa bench in fiery WSL clash

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      WEST HAM WOMEN’S boss Paul Konchesky was sent off for a pitchside bust-up in a fiery Women’s Super League clash with Aston Villa.In stoppage-time during the Hammers’ 2-1 win, West Ham defender Hawa Cissoko was shown a straight red card for smacking Villa right-back Sarah Mayling in the face.
      Cissoko was dismissed for hitting Mayling in added time at the end of the gameCredit: Rex
      The violent conduct came right under the nose of the refereeCredit: Getty
      Cissoko remonstrated with members of the Villa bench as she went down the tunnelCredit: Getty
      Konchesky, circled, during the altercation which saw him red cardedCredit: Getty Images
      Konchesky was dismissed after being dragged into the pitchside brawlCredit: Rex
      And in the melee which ensued, Konchensky was dismissed for aggressive behaviour as both teams became embroiled in a touchline brawl.
      However, Villa confirmed that in spite of reports, He did NOT hit any of their staff.
      Konchesky, who played for West Ham’s men’s team between 2005 and 2007, claimed after the game that the incident occurred because the Villa players were saying things to Cissoko.
      Speaking about his own red card, the visiting boss said: “Is it harsh? Probably, because I’m sticking up for my player who is getting stuff said to her.
      “Whatever the consequences are, I’ll take. We don’t want to see that, I get it, but I’ll stick up for my players, so I have.
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      “As Hawa goes down the tunnel, some of their staff are saying stuff to my players, which I don’t respect.
      “So me and my staff will obviously stick up for my players and that’s why you see, not a scrap, but you see it all going, near the dugouts.”
      On Cissoko’s dismissal, he then added: “I’m not sure what happened. I did see Hawa raise her hands.
      “She’s upset. She’s apologetic because she knows she’s a big part of us and we’re going to miss her.
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      “It’s gone on now, we’ll have to deal with it in the weeks to come.”
      Villa boss Carla Ward added: “I’ve never seen anything like that in a game, the punch in the face from Cissoko is not acceptable.
      “The melee in the dugout is absolutely not OK, from what I’ve seen.
      “What’s frustrating is our girls were superb, they deserved more from that game.”
      West Ham won the WSL match thanks to two early goals from Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Honoka Hayashi.
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      Villa midfielder Kenza Dali pulled one back in the second half but it proved to be merely a consolation for the hosts.
      Meanwhile, Konchesky, who also played for Charlton, Fulham, Leicester, Liverpool and earned two caps for England, now runs a pie and mash cafe in Essex. More

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      Emma Hayes will have a link to Chelsea’s dugout and can watch training online as she recovers from a hysterectomy

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      PAUL GREEN will temporarily fill in with managing Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side as she continues with her recovery from a hysterectomy.The Blues chief, 45, will continue to be involved in the running of her team who take on Everton away on Sunday.
      Blues general manager Paul Green says Emma Hayes will “definitely still be involved” in overseeing ChelseaCredit: PA
      Hayes will have a direct link to Chelsea’s dugoutCredit: PA
      On Thursday Hayes revealed she would be away from the dugout as she recuperates from a hysterectomy operation carried out last week.
      Green, who is the Blues’ general manager, will oversee on-field matters with assistant coach Denise Reddy leading the WSL title-holders from the touchline.
      Chelsea will play the Toffees at Walton Hall Park before their first Champions League group stage game against Paris Saint-Germain next week.
      Green said: “Emma will definitely still be involved. She’ll be at home watching all the training online.
      “I’m sure it’ll be difficult for her to watch the games at home.
      “It’s business as usual for us. It just means our leader won’t be there, which is a blow but the staff and the players are experienced enough to get through this situation.
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      “You know what sort of character she is. She’ll be linked into the bench on the match days as long as she’s well enough to do that.”
      Reddy, 52, who was born in New Jersey, in the United States, has been Hayes’ No2 since 2020.
      The former Sky Blue FC boss has 15 years’ worth of top-flight coaching experience working in Sweden and Denmark as well as the USA.
      Green added: “Denise is very detailed in her coaching, probably second to none in the way that she speaks to players individually and really goes through the individual analysis of players.
      “She’ll be there on the touchline with Emma in her ear on the mic.”
      This week Blues midfield star Melanie Leupolz revealed she had given birth to her first child after announcing her pregnancy in March.
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      The Germany international, who signed for Chelsea in March 2020 after a six-year Bayern Munich spell, helped the club to a quadruple trophy win in the 2020-21 season.
      That season Leupolz made 19 top-tier appearances and helped the Blues win the league title, the Conti and FA Cups and a Community Shield.
      And the Kingsmeadow star also helped the club to reach the Champions League final for the first time in their history last year.
      When asked about the timeframe of Leupolz’s return to action, Green said: “It’s obviously great news that she’s given birth and to add a new member to the Chelsea family. We’re all delighted for her.
      “In terms of her return, that’s something the club are in communication with Melanie directly (about).
      “We’re supporting her through her maternity leave so there’s no timeline on that at that moment.
      Green says there is no timeline for Leupolz’s return to action for Chelsea following the birth of her first childCredit: Getty
      “I think you can see from the pictures she put out, she’s in incredible shape and looking to get back as soon as possible.
      “But we’ve got to make sure the timing’s right and the timing’s appropriate when she feels ready and physically she’s able to do that.
      “So from our side, there’s no pressure; we want her to come back in when she’s ready.” More

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      Villa boss Carla Ward believes Rachel Daly could ‘one hundred per cent’ be a striker option for England

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      CARLA WARD believes Rachel Daly’s ruthless scoring form could make her an option in attack for England.And the Aston Villa boss, 38, hopes to extend her managerial tenure beyond next season with her contract set to expire in 2023.
      Carla Ward’s side are targeting a fourth win across all competitionsCredit: Getty
      Rachel Daly has netted four goals in three matches for VillaCredit: Reuters
      Ward’s aces face Paul Konchesky’s West Ham in their first home match after the international break.
      The club, who are third, have enjoyed an impressive start to this season
      They have claimed three wins in three games in all contests including a surprise defeat of Manchester City.
      Their efforts have seen Daly – who bagged four goals in three games across all contests – win September’s Barclays WSL player of the month gong.
      On if the Villa ace could be considered as a Lionesses forward option, Ward said: “Rachel is one of the highest scorers in the WSL right now so one hundred per cent she should be.
      “She’s a centre forward and she should be absolutely knocking on the door.
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      “She is brilliant on and off the pitch and I could not speak higher in terms of what she does for the youngsters.
      “They’re all in awe of her because of what she’s achieved. But what she does for them is exceptional.
      “She’s taken them all under the wing and will get after them to make sure they don’t have a single minute or second off.
      “She sets a standard that is unbelievably high.”
      Villa, who finished ninth last term, are currently reaping the rewards of Ward’s business in the summer transfer window.
      The signings of Danielle Turner, Daly and Kenza Dali, and loan swoops for Anna Patten and Kirsty Hanson have made a positive difference to the team on the pitch.
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      On former Everton skipper Turner’s shifts in defence for Villa, Ward added: “She hasn’t put a foot wrong.
      “Danielle has been unbelievable not just on the pitch but with her professionalism off it.
      “You can see why she was a captain and leader at Everton.”
      Ward, who won the WSL manager of the month prize for September, hopes to extend her reign as club boss.
      Danielle Turner has impressed in Villa’s defence since joining the side this summer after ten years at EvertonCredit: Getty
      The Villa manager, who has seven months left on her contract, said: “I want to be here for a long, long time.
      “It is something that I’m sure will be discussed soon.
      “All being well, I would say yes. Hopefully, that’s a conversation (that happens) soon.”
      Villa are currently winless against West Ham in four WSL encounters.
      The London club have been victorious once against the Villans and sealed draws in three other top-flight duels with their rivals.
      In the Hammers, Ward sees a side whose style reflects Konchesky on the pitch during his Irons playing days.
      Paul Konchesky’s West Ham aim to pick up a second win in the WSL after their season-opening defeat of EvertonCredit: Reuters
      The Bescot Stadium chief sees her team’s opponents as “confident, aggressive and front-footed”.  
      West Ham gaffer, Konchesky, 41, said: “We want to build on what we did last year (finish sixth in the league).
      “If we get one more point or one step further in cup competition that would be a success for us.” More

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      Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes has emergency hysterectomy and forced to step away from football to recover

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      CHELSEA women’s manager Emma Hayes has been forced to take a break from football after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy.Denise Reddy will step in and make the on-field decisions while Hayes, who has been battling endometriosis, recovers.
      Hayes will step away to recover from her hysterectomyCredit: Getty
      Paul Green will also be playing his part, carrying out all press obligations on Hayes’ behalf.
      Hayes, 45, says she expects to make a full recovery and has called on her team to “respond to the challenge” of her absence.
      An official statement from Hayes, via Chelseafc.com, reads: “Last Tuesday I underwent an emergency hysterectomy following my ongoing battle with endometriosis.
      “I’m now in recovery and will need time and patience to return to full health.
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      “I just want to say thank you also to my amazing doctors, Dr Alex Laurence and Dr Sally Harris for their outstanding care.
      “A huge thank you to our owners, the board and our HR director, Jo Stone, for the support they’ve shown and of course all of my family, staff and players.
      “Throughout my absence, Denise Reddy will be making the on-field decisions along with Paul Green who will be carrying out all press obligations on my behalf.
      “We have built a tremendous team over many years and we’ve adopted a very multi-disciplinary approach so that if situations like this arise, we are capable of being able to respond to the challenge. We have full confidence in Paul, Denise and all of the staff.
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      “We also know the team are very special and we have no doubt they’ll do everything to maintain their high standards.
      “To our fans, you’ve had to listen to me bellowing from the other side of the pitch every week but now I want to hear you even louder because I’ll be sitting at home watching the team on the television until my return.
      “I know you’ll respect that my health comes first and at this time I’ve got to prioritise what I need to do for me.
      “I fully expect to make a full recovery and I look forward to seeing you in the foreseeable future.
      “All the best, Your Manager Emma.”
      Endometriosis is a chronic condition which occurs when tissue from the lining of the womb is found outside of the womb – in areas of the body including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, the abdomen and the bladder.
      Around one-in-ten women are believed to be affected by endometriosis, which can affect fertility.
      Emma, who is mum to four-year-old Harry, has spoken previously about her struggles with the condition, describing it as a silent disease, and saying: “I feel the pain, but I refuse to let it take over.”
      She has also called on the game to do more to recognise the condition, and how players’ menstrual cycles and hormonal health can affect performance levels.
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      Chelsea find themselves fourth in the Women’s Super League after three games played.
      The Blues lost their opening game 2-1 to Liverpool, but responded well with wins over Manchester City and West Ham.
      What causes endometriosis?
      The exact cause of the condition isn’t known, but it’s thought it could be hereditary or due to environmental factors – namely the presence of dioxins in the environment.
      Meanwhile, other experts believe it could be caused by a process called retrograde menstruation, which is when the womb lining flows backwards through the Fallopian tubes into the abdomen, instead of leaving the body as a period.
      Endometriosis can sometimes cause damage to the Fallopian tubes or ovaries, leading to fertility problems.
      Other complications can include painful ovarian cysts and adhesions – areas of tissue which can fuse organs together. More

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      Uefa begins investigation into chant after Republic of Ireland Women’s World Cup play-off win

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      UEFA has begun an investigation after Republic of Ireland aces were filmed appearing to sing pro-IRA chants after their World Cup play-off win. A video clip of squad members chanting was shared on social media after their 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
      Uefa is into investigate a chant filmed in the Republic of Ireland’s dressing room following their World Cup qualification winCredit: Sportsfile
      Footage showed players seeming to sing “Ooh ah, up the ‘Ra” which is thought to be a pro-IRA song.
      Officials from Europe’s top football authority today confirmed that they will be investigating the matter.
      In a written statement Uefa said: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa disciplinary regulations, a Uefa ethics and disciplinary inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11, 2022.
      “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
      Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland issued apologies on Wednesday following the incident.  
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      Pauw said: “We apologise from the bottom of our hearts to anyone who has been offended by the content of the post-match celebrations after we had just qualified for the World Cup.
      “We will review this with the players and remind them of their responsibilities in this regard.
      “I have spoken with the players, and we are sorry collectively for any hurt caused, there can be no excuse for that.”
      In a statement, the FAI said: “The Football Association of Ireland and the Republic of Ireland women’s national team manager Vera Pauw apologise for any offence caused by a song sung by players in the Ireland dressing room after the Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.”
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      The Republic of Ireland qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup after netting a second-half goal during their clash with Scotland.
      Amber Barrett slotted the ball home in the 72nd minute.
      Her effort helped her side clinch a spot in the tournament taking place in Australia and New Zealand next summer.
      Amber Barrett was on target with a bottom-corner effort to seal World Cup qualification for Vera Pauw’s sideCredit: Reuters More

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      England’s Lionesses frustrated by Czech Republic but preserve unbeaten run with goalless draw

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      ENGLAND’S unbeaten run remains intact but the Euros champs found themselves held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Czech Republic at the Amex.Lauren James struck the woodwork early on a night that saw Lucy Bronze make her 100th Lionesses appearance.
      Bronze received her 100th cap for England at the Amex on Tuesday nightCredit: PA
      England – missing Georgia Stanway’s tenacious drives forward and Alessia Russo’s aerial threat – were made to battle hard in their attempts to break their rivals down.
      And they failed to score for only the second time in 24 matches under serial-winning boss Sarina Wiegman.
      On the International Day of the Girl, Wiegman’s stars looked to provide scores of watching school pupils at Brighton’s ground with a display of girl power on the pitch.
      After this summer’s Euros, England’s stars have been pressing political decision-makers to boost girls’ access to football training in the nation’s schools.
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      And their recent performances could be seen as a strong case for their call to ensure young females dreaming of becoming the next generation top pros get more chances to play at school.
      Fresh off of the back of their battling 2-1 friendly defeat of four-time World Cup winners the USA, Wiegman’s side were aiming to fire another warning to their rivals ahead of next year’s World Cup.
      They were looking to do so at a ground with memories of their 8-0 Euros thumping of Norway and their gritty quarter-final knockout of Spain at the Euros.
      But Karel Rada’s well-drilled side had other ideas.
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      The last clash between England and the Czech Republic ended in a slim 3-2 away victory for the Lionesses back in November 2019.
      Before the game, Beth Mead described England’s opponents as a difficult side to play against.
      This proved to be the case, with Rada’s team frustrating the Euros winners for large spells with some gritty defending.
      James, making her first senior international start, struck the woodwork in the fourth minute shortly after the Czech’s Klara Cahynova blazed a shot over the bar.
      James teed up Lauren Hemp in the box in the 23rd minute but her strike lacked power and was easily claimed by keeper Olivie Lukasova.
      At the other end, a well-timed block from Alex Greenwood denied Andrea Staskova a clean shot on target just before half-time.
      The second half saw Beth Mead enter the fray and the presence of England’s Player of the Year made a difference, giving the host’s attacking play a little more energy.
      Mead’s 50th-minute cross found Hemp in the box before the forward headed over.
      And the Euros’ top scorer went close to putting the hosts ahead after latching onto Millie Bright’s cross, before England struck the post in the 59th minute.
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      Fran Kirby forced an impressive save from Lukasova with the keeper tipping her shot over the bar, before Mead curled an effort wide of the post.
      So the clash ended goalless, meaning England extend their unbeaten run to 24 games ahead of November friendlies against Japan and Norway. More

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      ‘I don’t see us as underdogs’, says Gemma Grainger as Wales continue their quest for World Cup qualification

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      GEMMA GRAINGER insists Wales will not have an underdog mentality when they play Switzerland in one of the biggest games in their history.Grainger’s aces will battle their rivals in a World Cup qualifier play-off with a potential spot in next year’s tournament at stake.
      Gemma Grainger and Wales hope to keep their World Cup qualification dreams alive with a win against Switzerland tonightCredit: Reuters
      Wales will be aiming to win the game by two goals or more at the Letzigrund stadium in ZurichCredit: Getty
      Two or more goals in a victory against the 21st-best side in the world will give Wales a chance of automatically reaching the World Cup for the first time.
      If they win tonight by less than two goals, they could enter an inter-confederation play-off in a bid to claim a tournament spot.
      Grainger says her side will be taking confidence from having reached the play-off stage for the first time ever and from their 1-0 defeat of Bosnia and Herzegovina last time out.
      The Wales head coach, 40, told reporters: “On paper – and I said this after the Bosnia game – we can be called the underdogs.
      “I don’t see us necessarily as that, I see us as a team who are going there to compete and win a game.
      “Our belief, our mentality, everything that we think about is not necessarily focused on that tag.
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      “It’s focused on how we can compete in the game, and hopefully win it.
      “With what we’ve done on the pitch, the team is absolutely on track to qualification for a major tournament.
      “If we do it this time, brilliant. If not, we’ll do it next time.”
      During Wales’s defeat of Bosnia, which was clinched following Jess Fishlock’s stunning volley, Grainger’s players saw FOUR goals ruled out as offside.
      Looking back at those decisions, Grainger added: “With VAR there’s going to be some close calls that you are slightly offside for onside either way.
      “When you play on the edge, and when you try to make those runs, there’s a lot of movement, there’s a lot of time and involved.
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      “I think the most important thing for us is that we’re in those positions and we’re creating those opportunities and chances to score.”
      This evening’s duel which kicks off at 6:00 pm at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, could see Chelsea star Sophie Ingle, 31, go up against her old Blues team-mate Ramona Bachmann.
      The Paris Saint-Germain forward has netted 56 times in 128 senior international Switzerland appearances.
      When asked if Wales had any fear of the threat posed by Bachmann, 31, and her pals, Ingle said: “We’re never scared.
      “They’re a great team and we respect the type of team they are.
      Tonight’s game could see ex-Chelsea ace Ramona Bachmann go head-to-head with her old Blues team-mate Sophie IngleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “They played in the European Championship in the summer, and I remember watching their games.
      “They’re exciting going forward and have very good players on the attack like Ramona who is a great player and picks up a lot of good spaces.
      “But we have a lot of strengths within our team and we’re going to focus on ourselves.”
      Tonight’s game is one of three World Cup play-off finals taking place this evening.
      Ingle insists Wales will have no fear when they take to the pitch against SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
      The other two will see Portugal take on Iceland and Pedro Losa’s Scotland side up against the Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park.
      The two play-off winners with the highest rankings will automatically qualify for the 2023 World Cup which begins on July 20.
      The other match winner will be entered into an inter-confederation play-off which will take place in New Zealand in February next year. More

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      Lionesses ace Lucy Bronze says ‘more education’ is required following Iker Casillas ‘joke’ tweet about coming out

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      LUCY BRONZE reckons more education is needed after Iker Casillas allegedly shared a social media post that appeared to suggest he was coming out.Her comments follow a tweet posted via the ex-Real Madrid star’s Twitter account which read: “I hope you respect me: I’m gay”.
      Lucy Bronze believes more education is needed on LGBTQ+ issues following the reaction to a tweet posted via Iker Casillas’s Twitter accountCredit: Reuters

      The former Real Madrid goalkeeper claimed his Twitter account had been hacked after the post was later deletedCredit: AFP
      The post, published on Sunday evening, was later deleted with Casillas claiming his account had been hacked.
      The former Spain goalkeeper, 41, faced a backlash from social media users after the tweet prompted homophobic comments from multiple Twitter accounts.
      Bronze is a champion of BT Sport’s Hope not Hate campaign against online abuse.
      And the England star believes more conversations need to be had to make social media platforms and the real world better places for people within the LGBTQ+ community.
      The Barcelona full-back, 30, told reporters said: “Obviously at the beginning, no one really knew it was a joke,” Bronze said.
      “But I think the reaction that has been had on social media from the beginning of not knowing what it was to then thinking it was a joke, to thinking it was hacked.
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      “Whatever it was, the reaction just shows that there still needs to be a lot of education and a lot more openness about these kinds of subjects because that kind of reaction wasn’t normal.
      “It shows that there is still a lot of education and still a lot of conversations to be had to make the world and social media better places.
      “Places where people are more comfortable to have open conversations.”
      Prior to deleting the tweet, which had 250,000 likes, Casillas received a response from former Barcelona skipper Carlos Puyol, which appeared to take things further.

      The ex-Nou Camp star, 44, who won 18 major trophies with Barca, tweeted a reply which said, ‘It’s time to tell our story, Iker’, alongside emojis of a kiss and a heart.
      However, Casillas deleted the post after an hour and later wrote: “Hacked account. Luckily everything in order.
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      “Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community.”
      And Puyol also published an apology following his post stating: “I messed up. I’m sorry for a bad joke which had no bad intention, which was totally out of place.
      “I understand that I may have hurt someone’s feelings. All my respect and support towards the LGBTQ+ community.”

      Casillas’s and Puyol’s actions prompted anger within the LGBTQ+ community and dismay from several current and retired football aces.
      Earlier today campaign group Football vs Homophobia tweeted: “The FVH campaign would like to thank those from the LGBTQ+ community and allies who challenged the homophobia seen across social media on Sunday as a result of the tweets posted by Iker Casillas and Carlos Puyol.

      “We note that apologies have been made by both former players.
      “The consequences of their clumsy joke were a reminder of how, despite recent advances, men’s football and its culture can often be unwelcoming and unsafe for gay and bisexual players, coaches, match officials and fans.
      “We continue to encourage everyone in football to create those inclusive spaces.” More