Injury to Charlton defender forces match to be abandoned

The Women’s Championship match between Charlton and Manchester United had to be abandoned yesterday after an injury to the home side’s Charlotte Kerr.

The right-back was hurt during the build-up to United’s goal from Charlie Devlin after 11 minutes. It is understood that Kerr jumped to contest a bouncing ball with two other players and banged a rib in the collision.

The teams were sent back to the changing rooms at

The Oakwood in south-east London as both medical teams provided Kerr with treatment and she was given oxygen while she still lay on the pitch. However, it is understood there was a wait of 20 minutes before an ambulance arrived to take Kerr to hospital. The referee made the decision to abandon the game 39 minutes after halting play. Charlton said in a statement: “Today’s Charlton Athletic Women’s fixture against Manchester United Women was abandoned after a collision left Charlotte Kerr requiring serious medical attention. “Charlotte Kerr was transferred to a local hospital by ambulance and her condition has improved. The club will not know the full extent of the injury until a full scan has been completed.

“The club would like to send its sincere thanks to Manchester United and their staff for their assistance in treating the injury.

“The club will provide a further update on Charlotte Kerr’s condition in due course.”

The injury sparked debate on social media over the standards of medical facilities at women’s football matches.

However, the Football Association said: “The FA Women’s Championship has thorough match-day medical requirements and we are currently in communication with both clubs to understand more about the incident and will await the referee’s report.”

It also wished Kerr a “full and speedy recovery.”