Rhea Olling of Rosengård broke the match against Kalmar after sustaining a tear in her eye and cheek.
But opponent Alyssa Walker’s long nails don’t break any rule.
– And they’re not crazy, she says.
In the match photos, it doesn’t look that serious. In the 27th minute of the match, with a 3-0 score for Rosengard against Kalmar, Rhea Owling duel against Alyssa Walker.
The Kalmar player’s arm flies up and appears to touch an opponent who is falling on the grass and is then substituted. Next, Olivia Shoof posts a photo of her teammate.
Rhea Olong has a red tear mark on her cheek. The eye is blood red. “When an opponent has long nails,” Schouf writes, he adds an angry emoji.
The judges cut their nails
Oling was awarded a free kick due to the accident, but no card was dealt to Alyssa Walker. Her nails are also not illegal, although they are long
– No, there is no ban. Elite coach Pernilla Larsson explains in the rulebook that you shouldn’t have serious “equipment,” but nails don’t count there.
Larson says there have been local explanations for what constitutes equipment, which led to a Japanese referee walking into the locker room and checking – and in some cases cutting – the players’ nails. But in Sweden only shoes, protection, jewelry and head coverings are checked.
Kalmar’s Alyssa Walker apologized to Rhea Owling after the 6-0 loss.
– When I saw her eyes I said “Oh my God”. She said she was bloated but could continue playing, she says.
‘Maybe crush them’
How did you realize the situation?
– She turned quickly and ran, but the rear wing touched her. Came in the middle of the eye. I didn’t feel like I met her at all, or that I was just touching.
But you said sorry?
– yes. I never meant to hurt anyone, but it was still right to apologize.
How do you see playing with those long nails?
– I saw Olivia’s post on Instagram and first I want to say it’s not loose nails. It’s normal. It’s not insanely sharp, but it’s painted over and sticks out from the fingertips, so it’s somewhat visible. But we shouldn’t necessarily blame the nails, because I’ve never torn anyone else the same way before. This was a perfect storm of misfortune.
Are you going to keep playing with those long nails?
– yes. I might grind them now that the nail polish has peeled off.
