FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Ireland vs Colombia warm-up match abandoned due to being 'overly physical'

Ireland Women's team player was rushed to hospital

The warm-up match between the Republic of Ireland and Colombia was called off after 20 minutes because it had become "overly physical," with one Irish player apparently being sent to the hospital.

According to reports, the game was called off after a Colombian player's challenge injured Denise O'Sullivan, a key midfielder for Ireland, in her shin.

Following the tackle, it is believed that the Irish players opted to call it a night before finishing a full practice session.

The media had been informed in advance that they could watch the game behind closed doors. However, it is understood that entrance to the press was abruptly refused at Colombia's request.

Despite the fact that all of our teams' procedures and training are structured around, among other things, fair play and healthy competition, we respect the choice made by the other team.

This Saturday, Colombia will travel to Sydney to complete its training. Before making an appearance in the orbital occurrence, Colombia is slated to play China in a second friendly practise match.

FAI statement regarding the abandoned Ireland vs Colombia warm-up match

An FAI statement said: 'The behind-closed-doors game between the Ireland Women’s National Team and Colombia on Friday evening was ended after 20 minutes of play.

'The game, which was held in Meakin Park, Brisbane, became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game.

'The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, against Australia in Sydney on July 20.'

The Colombian Football Federation said: 'The Colombian Football Federation informs that the friendly match that was to take place as part of today's training between the Colombian women's national team and Ireland, was suspended because the Irish national team, a rival in practice this Friday, preferred not to continue playing when 23 minutes of the first half had already elapsed.

'Colombia will return to Sydney this Saturday to continue with its preparation and before the debut in the orbital event, a second friendly training match against its counterpart from China is scheduled.'