Liverpool’s record signing Olivia Smith is “probably going to get hurt” if “the treatment she’s getting” from opponents remains unpunished by the authorities, manager Matt said. Beard says.
The 20-year-old scored her third league goal as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 in the Women’s Super League on Friday night, but was substituted in the second half after Beard claimed she had hit her ribs.
According to statistics provided by Opta before Friday’s match, Smith had been fouled 20 times, the most of any Liverpool player this season, with West Ham forward Vivian Assay having 21 in the WSL. It is in second place after.
Beard said the club sent video footage to Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December highlighting what appeared to be an unacceptable level of fouls committed by Smith from opponents. That’s what it means.
He said it had become “clear” that opponents were targeting Smith and that she was “not being protected” by authorities.
“I don’t think I got a response. I sent the clip just before Christmas,” Beard added.
“It was the same as always[against Brighton]she got her lumps kicked out. She deserves a lot of credit. We sent clips to[former referee]Rebecca Welch and the PGMOL and the treatment she is receiving. introduced.
“I told Olivia that she needed to take that as a compliment, but there’s only so much she can take. That’s clear to everyone.
“If we don’t deal with it, she’s going to get hurt someday. She should be punished. Rules are rules.”
“It’s hard not to lose your head when something like this happens every game,” said Smith, who joined from Portugal’s Sporting CP for £210,000 in June last year.
“This is not unique to matches like this, there is only so much I can do so I try to stay as calm as possible.
“I’ve gotten used to it over the last few games, especially in this league. It’s probably the biggest league in the world, so that’s a compliment.”
We have contacted PGMOL for a response.
