On-loan Everton striker Aggie Beever-Jones has issued an apology for her challenge on Arsenal’s Lia Walti which resulted in a red card for the 19-year-old and potentially serious injury to the Gunners’ midfielder.
Beever-Jones was sent off shortly after the restart of Wednesday night’s 4-1 WSL defeat to Arsenal following a reckless lunge on Walti after losing control of the ball in the Arsenal half.
Arsenal players immediately surrounded the England youth international, on loan from Chelsea, as Walti writhed in pain on the pitch.
Initially shown a caution for the challenge, the decision was shortly overturned as the Swiss international was stretchered off after receiving treatment for what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.
And Beever-Jones has apologised to Walti as well as the Everton staff, players and fans for an unsavoury end to her loan spell with the club.
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“I am absolutely devastated to receive the first red card of my career vs Arsenal tonight,” Beever-Jones wrote in a social media post.
“At 19, I struggle to put into words how upset I am about injuring another player.
“More importantly, I meant no harm whatsoever to Lia Walti. I’m just not the type of player that would intentionally hurt another player. I lost control of the ball and was over eager to try and win the ball back. My lunge resulted in a bad but intentionally reckless challenge.
“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 this injury is not too serious and that you make a fast and full recovery to Arsenal and the World Cup.
“I also want to apologise to all of the Everton staff, players and fans as I feel that I let you all down too. That’s not the way I would ever have wanted to end my loan at a brilliant football club. Thank you for everything this season.”
Walti replied to the post, writing: "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."
The sending off marked Beever-Jones’ first in her career and spells the end of her loan stint with the Toffees. Everton boss Brian Sorensen will also be without England internationals Jess Park, sent back to parent club Manchester City due to a shoulder injury, and Gabby George for their final two matches of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City.
Walti’s injury is the latest woe to grip Jonas Eidevall’s ranks this season, with five players ruled out for the season's remainder.
The challenge also places Walti's World Cup ambitions in doubt with the tournament kicking off in less than 70 days.
The loss against Arsenal sees Everton remain sixth in the WSL table, five points off Aston Villa in fifth, with two games remaining.
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