Ian Wright criticises Colney Heath FC for prioritising bouncy castle over women’s football match, calling it “ridiculous” and “an embarrassment.”
- Arsenal legend Ian Wright criticises Colney Heath FC for forcing their women’s team to play on a park pitch to accommodate a bouncy castle.
- Colney Heath Ladies expressed disappointment on Twitter, stating they expected better treatment in 2023.
- Former England captain Casey Stoney also condemned the club’s actions, urging them to “do better.”
Arsenal legend and former England player, Ian Wright, has publicly condemned Colney Heath Football Club for their controversial decision to force their women’s team off their usual pitch and onto a nearby park, all to accommodate a bouncy castle.
The incident has sparked outrage amongst football fans and professionals alike, as it highlights the ongoing struggle for respect and equality in women’s football.
Colney Heath Ladies were scheduled to face Bowers & Pitsea Ladies in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League at the Recreation Ground.
However, upon arrival, they discovered a bouncy castle occupying their designated pitch.
The women’s team was subsequently informed that they would have to play on a park pitch instead.
The club’s official Twitter account expressed their disappointment, stating, “We really thought that in 2023, women’s football would be treated with the respect that it deserves, especially by our own club.”
Ian Wright, known for his outspoken support for equality in football, quickly joined the conversation, tweeting, “What happening here @ColneyHeathFC. Absolutely ridiculous. An embarrassment.”
what happening here @ColneyHeathFC Absolutely ridiculous. An embarrassment. https://t.co/ypltYzGWZC
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) May 7, 2023
Former England captain and Lionesses centurion Casey Stoney echoed Wright’s sentiments, urging the club to “do better.”
She tweeted, “And yet we think the game has moved forward. So many positive strides at the highest level but yet these attitudes still exist in the game.”
https://twitter.com/CaseyStoney/status/1655287038919475200
In response to the backlash, Colney Heath FC issued an apology, attributing the incident to a “misunderstanding” and stating that they believed the women’s team was aware of the pitch reassignment due to a community event for the Coronation.
The club emphasised its support for all sports participation but some have claimed that the ‘stunt’ was due to Colney Heath Ladies moving to St. Albans at the end of the season.
Nevertheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder that despite significant progress at the highest levels of women’s football, challenges persist at the grassroots level. In light of this event, Colney Heath Ladies.