Leah Williamson, England Women
Credit: ITV / BBC Sport
Keith Hackett
Mon 7 July 2025 11:34, UK
France Women could have gone down to 10 players following a “reckless” challenge on England Women’s Leah Williamson, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Arsenal star was also at risk of being punished due to her lunge, though neither player saw yellow in the match.
PSG‘s Sakina Karchaoui jumped into the challenge on Williamson, leaving the centre-back with stud marks on her back, and supporters screaming for referee Tess Olofsson to take action.
Supporters were also extremely unhappy as Alessia Russo’s opening goal on Saturday, 5 July, was ruled out for an offside decision on Beth Mead in the build-up, with the decision extremely close.
Were France lucky not to be reduced to 10? 🟥
This challenge on Leah Williamson was reviewed by VAR but the initial decision was not overturned. pic.twitter.com/nzXd6qdx08
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 5, 2025
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England Women face opening defeat at Women’s Euro 2025
Returning to the competition as title defenders, Sarina Wiegman’s side faced a 2-1 defeat to France in their opening game, going two goals behind before the half-time whistle.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore netted after Russo’s goal was ruled out, and while Kiera Walsh hit back with three minutes of normal time left, it was too little, too late.
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The Lionesses sit third in Group D, only above Wales on goal difference, and the Netherlands leading the race for qualification to the knockout stages following a convincing 3-0 win.
England next kick off against the Netherlands on Wednesday, 9 July, before taking on Wales on Sunday, 13 July, and despite the poor start, the team will be hoping to win both games.
Keith Hackett supports decision against Leah Williamson
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “It’s a close one. What the referee has to judge is whether there is malice in the challenge. It’s difficult because both players are off the ground.
“The referee has erred on the side of caution, stating that it’s reckless. The England player was also on the deck, and if the England player also dives in, she could also be seen as reckless, so I support the decision.
Keith Hackett
Keith Hackett stood by the decision against Leah Williamson.
“I’ve no doubt she felt it was a red card because her pain was real.”
Williamson was able to walk away from the challenge relatively unharmed, and with 59 caps for the Lionesses, the 28-year-old will be an important figure moving forward.
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