‘IT’S UP TO MY PLAYERS’

Pauw backing Ireland team’s right to protest harassment

VERA PAUW says she will support her players if they wish to protest against sexual harassment within women’s football during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Finland.

Games have been paused in the National Women’s Soccer League to highlight the issue.

And in the Women’s Super League in England, players from both sides have linked arms around the centre circle ahead of matches.

It comes in the wake of the sacking of North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley, following allegations of sexual coercion and bullying.

Earlier this month, two players, Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, blew the whistle on Riley’s behaviour.

Asked if Ir eland’s players would be allowed to protest, Pauw said: “I would support any action but it is up to the players how they feel about it.”

Pauw hailed the bravery of Farrelly and Shim, and added that she had spoken to Courage and Ireland stars Denise O’Sullivan and Diane Caldwell since the revelations emerged.

“They are in a better space now,” said the Girls in Green boss. “To be honest, the board of NWSL is doing everything to support them.

Concern

“That was my concern if they get the support they need because I am far away. But they do get the support they need, the whole team.”

Pauw added that harassment and abuse wasn’t just a recent phenomenon within the women’s game.

“Is it not only this occasion, but in every single moment when things like this come out, it is the women themselves who need to pick up the bravery and step out,” she said.

“People say, ‘Oh this is coming out of the blue’, but it was said there ten years ago, said here six years ago and five years ago.

“And it’s only when they have the guts to go into the media that people take them seriously. It’s as if through the media people can only change things. So in that sense it is very brave.”

She added: “I think the whole #metoo movement as a whole will help us.

“It is not only sport, it is not only USA, I think we come out of an era in which abuse of women was put under the carpet. It was as if, ‘Oh I was only joking’, ‘Oh I felt that she wanted it’.

“I think we are getting out of that era and there will be a move to the complete other side, and eventually we’ll get to a better space.”

On the pitch, Pauw is preparing for a big week when her players kick off their World Cup campaign at home to Sweden (October 21), ranked second in the world, and away to Finland (October 26).

She has named a 27-player squad for the double header and says confidence is high after the friendly win at home to Australia last month.

Injuries have ruled out Keeva Keenan, Claire O’Riordan, Megan Campbell, Alli Murphy, Clare Shine, Ruesha Littlejohn, Isibeal Atkinson and Hayley Nolan.

“We’re fighting for second place. There are a few (playoffs) for third placed but it’s complicated,” she said.

Realistic

“We’re looking at every game to win but also realistic to know that if we don’t win that we’re not collapsing.”

Pauw has lost her assistant manager Eileen Gleeson, who has taken over as manager of Glasgow City.

“I’m gutted to lose her,” she said. “We can say everything we want to each other without losing each other. To be in that space is fantastic.

“On the other hand, this is suc h a great opportunity for her. She deserves it like no-one else.”

The Ireland boss added that everyone in her squad has been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Ireland’s home game against Sweden has already sold out.

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