Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Womens Super League, Womens Football
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Womens Super League, Womens Football
Ella Toone has received an apology from a commentator who made a controversial remark following her substitution in this month's Women's Super League fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder was replaced by United teammate Melvine Malard in the 61st minute of their clash against Arsenal on November 3.
Moments later, as she sat on the bench, an unnamed male commentator described Toone as having a face like "a slapped bum" – a comment that was broadcast on an alternative feed to the BBC's own dedicated live coverage.
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WSL chiefs are said to have opened an investigation into the remark, which came just two months after the player tragically lost her father, Nick.
Fans were quick to come to the defence of Toone, with one saying: "Was waiting for someone to mention this. I had to replay cause no way he said that."
A second wrote: "Hearing the commentator say ‘Ella Toone has a face like a smacked bum’ when she got taken off today, all whilst showing her on the verge of tears has absolutely enraged me."
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Now, the Daily Mail suggests that bosses at the Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), as well as the commentator, have apologised to both Toone and Manchester United.
The report said: "Sources spoke glowingly of WPLL CEO Nikki Doucet for her urgency in addressing the matter and ensuring there was a smooth process in rectifying, particularly with the matter gaining further scrutiny when highlighted by Ian Wright and former England captain Steph Houghton on their 'Crossways' podcast."
It added: "The league's top brass took a dim view of the remark made at Toone's expense."
Toone is set to ruled out of Manchester United's next two games after she picked up a calf injury in training.
United manager Mark Skinner confirmed the news following their win over Leicester.
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“Ella picked up an injury to her calf on Saturday in training,” Skinner said. “She was running and felt something in her calf. She will miss the next two games and then we will see what the extent of the injury is after that.
“We are hopeful she will be available for England — we don’t know the extent yet.”
England come up against the USWNT and Switzerland on November 30 and December 3 respectively.