Man City’s Georgia Stanway issues apology over red card after social media abuse

Stanway was dismissed after 35 minutes on Saturday and has since issued an apology for her foul.
By Jordan Jones
Published 12th Oct 2021, 08:23 BST
Georgia Stanway was shown a red card for this foul on Leah Galton. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Georgia Stanway was shown a red card for this foul on Leah Galton. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Georgia Stanway was shown a red card for this foul on Leah Galton. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Manchester City’s Georgia Stanway apologised for her red card in the Manchester Derby but says she has suffered social media abuse from it.

Stanway was dismissed in the 35th minute after a reckless challenge on United’s Leah Galton, reducing her side to ten players for over an hour.

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Despite her ejection from the match, the Citizens earned a point in a 2-2 draw at Leigh Sports Village with substitute Ellen White scoring an equaliser after Bunny Shaw had opened the scoring.

The England international took a similar approach to Bruno Fernandes, who posted an apologetic message after missing a penalty against Aston Villa.

“I want to apologise for the sending off in yesterday’s Manchester derby,” Stanway tweeted.

“Everyone who knows me knows I’m passionate and competitive. There was absolutely no malice intended and I’m glad Leah was okay and able to carry on with the game.”

The referee’s mind was made up early when she saw the challenge. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)The referee’s mind was made up early when she saw the challenge. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The referee’s mind was made up early when she saw the challenge. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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The derby was played in front of a crowd of just under 3,800 spectators at Leigh Sports Village.

It was also broadcast on terrestrial television on BBC One, reaching a peak of a 1.1 million audience, breaking the Women’s Super League record.

“A huge thank you to my Man City teammates for the support and effort to secure a point and to both sets of fans for making an unbelievable atmosphere.”

In the last section of her apology, she revealed that she had received abuse following her dismissal in Saturday's match.

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She said: “I made a mistake and hope everyone can accept my apology but I shouldn’t have to log into social media and find myself subjected to all sorts of abusive messages - remember we are all human and mistakes happen.”

In support, her teammates came to her aid with both defender Alex Greenwood and Ellie Robuck tweeting her with “We got you,” whilst former City loanee Carli Lloyd said: “Pay no attention to the keyboard warriors who find joy in dragging down others.”

City are currently ninth and remain winless since their day win over Everton, which is their only win in five league matches this season.

Related topics:Man CityBruno FernandesEvertonLeigh Sports Village

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