Liverpool’s record signing Olivia Smith will “probably be hurt” if the “treatment she is receiving” from her opponents continues unpunished by officials, says coach Matt Beard.
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 suffered a knock on her thighs. ribs.
Before Friday’s match, according to statistics provided by Opta, Smith had drawn 20 fouls, the most of any Liverpool player this season and second only to West Ham striker Viviane Asseyi’s 21 in the WSL.
Beard says the club sent video footage to Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December, highlighting what they believe are unacceptable levels of fouls Smith was receiving from opponents.
He says it has become “clear and obvious” that opponents are targeting Smith and that she is “not being protected” by officials.
“I don’t think we heard back. We sent the clips right before Christmas,” Beard added.
“It was the same as always. [against Brighton]They kicked lumps out of him. She deserves a lot of credit. We send clips to [former referee] Rebecca Welch and the PGMOL to show the treatment she is receiving.
“I told Olivia she needed to take it as a compliment, but there’s only so much she can take. It’s clear for everyone to see.
“At some point they will probably get hurt if the problem is not fixed. They should be penalized. Rules are rules.”
Smith, who joined the club last June from Portuguese side Sporting CP for £210,000, said: “It’s hard not to lose your mind when that happens every game.
“It’s not just a game like this. There’s a lot of things I can do, so I try to stay calm as best I can.”
“I’ve gotten used to it in the last couple of games, especially in this league. It’s probably the biggest league in the world, so it’s a compliment.”
PGMOL has been contacted for a response.
