‘No need for hate’ – Lia Wälti defends Everton’s Agnes Beever-Jones over foul

The Arsenal midfielder Lia Wälti has said “football is a contact sport” after a hefty challenge by Everton’s Agnes Beever-Jones led to the Swiss international being carried off on a stretcher during Wednesday’s WSL game.

Arsenal won 4-1 to move three points ahead of Manchester City in the race for the final Champions League spot but afterwards most of the talk was of the tackle that led to Wälti’s injury and a red card for Beever-Jones.

The 19-year-old Everton forward, who is on loan from Chelsea this season, wrote an emotional social media post apologising to the Arsenal midfielder. “At 19, I struggle to put into words how upset I am about injuring another player. I meant no harm whatsoever to Lia Wälti. I’m just not the type of player who would intentionally hurt another player. I lost control of the ball and was over eager to win it back.

“I’m still learning so much about the game and myself with every minute I play. I’ve let myself down and my teammates. It’s been a huge learning for me tonight as I process what’s happened to another WSL professional player. I’m so sorry Lia. I hope the injury is not too serious and that you make a fast and full recovery for Arsenal and the World Cup.”

The extent of Wälti’s injury is not yet clear but the 30-year-old posted a message on Twitter on Wednesday night urging people not to attack Beever-Jones on social media. Wälti wrote: “Good win Thanks for all the messages. Football is a contact sport, these injuries are unfortunately part of our game. No need for any hate or bad comments towards Agnes Beever-Jones please. Thank you!”

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