Matt Beard: Olivia Smith "Is Probably Going To Get Hurt" If Fouls Continue To Go Unpunished
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The Liverpool manager has submitted video evidence to PGMOL of the consistently rough treatment his star attacker and calls for referees to, you know, call blatant fouls.
Olivia Smith has been the star of the show for the Liverpool FC Women since joining the club this summer for a record fee. The young Canadian attacker has displayed scintillating on the ball with her blend of strength, slick footwork, and speed on the dribble. As the focal point of Liverpool's attacking play, other teams have made an emphasis of attempting to shut Smith down with some extremely physical play.
After Liverpool's 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday, in which Smith scored an incredible solo goal and was hacked all over the pitch, manager Matt Beard voiced his concern with the lack of protection his star player has received. He also revealed that the club sent video evidence to PGMOL before Christmas of the numerous heavy fouls that have gone uncalled, though the club has not heard anything back from the governing body.
"I don't think we have had a response. We sent the clips in just before Christmas. It was the same as always [against Brighton], getting lumps kicked out of her. She deserves a lot of credit. We sent clips into [former referee] Rebecca Welch and the PGMOL to show the treatment she is getting."
Smith has shown her frustration more than once on the pitch, boiling over and retaliating. Beard said he has worked with his young star to recognize she is being targeted because of how effective she is on the pitch.
"I said to Olivia she needed to take it as a compliment but there is only so much she can take. It is clear for everyone to see. At some point she is probably going to get hurt if it's not dealt with. They should be penalized. The rules are the rules."
Smith also spoke after the match about how it has been tough to keep her cool at times. She recognized that she has to get comfortable with the treatment to some degree to at least keep her head and avoid getting carded for retaliation.
"It gets hard to not lose your head when that's happening in every single game. It's not just in a game like this. There's only so much I can do so I try to keep my cool as best I can."
"I've got used to it in the past couple of games, especially in this league. It's probably the biggest league in the world so it's a compliment."
