Charlton Athletic Women's game abandoned after club fail to supply oxygen – for ninth game this season

Charlton Athletic Women's game abandoned after club fail to supply oxygen – for ninth game this season
Charlotte Kerr, the Charlton Athletic Women winger, went down injured during Sunday's  Women's Championship game with Manchester United Credit: REX FEATURES

Charlton Athletic Women's Championship game with Manchester United was abandoned on Sunday because the home side had no oxygen to treat injured players  despite league rules stipulating clubs must have oxygen on site.

A collision as Manchester United’s Charlie Devlin opened the scoring left Charlotte Kerr, the Charlton winger, requiring oxygen and treatment from both sets of medical staff, with the player leaving hospital the following day with badly bruised ribs.

Medics had to use United’s supply as they waited for an ambulance that is understood to have taken in the region of 40 minutes to arrive. The referee had originally intended to resume play after the collision.

Championship debutants Charlton have not had oxygen at any of their nine home games this season and are currently compiling information to submit to the FA’s investigation, the result of which could see changes to the governing body’s medical guidelines.

The FA WSL and Women’s Championship rules state that clubs must provide emergency equipment “to include as a minimum a spinal board, cervical collar, fracture splints, crutches, stretchers, oxygen and a defibrillator”. The sanction for failure to comply with rules relating to medical assistance is a £500 fine.

There is, however, no stipulation for the amount of oxygen required. Charlton, in theory, could have supplied two minutes’ worth of oxygen and still met the FA’s threshold.

The FA may also consider making player ambulances compulsory at women’s games in light of Sunday’s events. They are optional under current guidelines but some women’s clubs choose to. When contacted by Telegraph Sport, Yeovil, Manchester City, Birmingham, Everton and Chelsea all confirmed they have at least one ambulance at their home games. But there are a number of women’s clubs who do not, including Bristol City, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Lewes.

Charlton Women said in a statement: "Charlton Athletic Women are currently reviewing the abandonment of Sunday's fixture against Manchester United.

"Charlton Athletic Women's medical staff, including the Charlton Athletic Women's club doctor, were present on site at the game and ensured the players were in no danger at any point.

"Charlton Athletic Women are working with the FA and will submit a full report which will reviewed independently."

The FA said after the game on Sunday: "The FA Women's Championship has thorough matchday medical requirements. We are currently in communication with both clubs to understand more about the incident."

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