For some time now, the discipline of Katie McCabe has been a point of concern for both Ireland and Arsenal.
The Ireland captain's talent is undeniable, and she has clearly established herself as one of the world's leading left-backs during her decade-and-more at the Gunners.
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However, her propensity for picking up yellow cards has been a bone of contention with the 29-year-old in recent times.
Two bookings saw her miss the trip to Carrow Road during last year's Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, while she was recently sent off while on Arsenal duty for taking two pops at the match referee in a matter of seconds.
Her antics in that Chelsea v Arsenal clash, and Ireland's Euro playoff defeat to Wales, came under fierce scrutiny.
Such was the frequency of Katie McCabe bookings that an iconic Twitter account was birthed, named, 'Did Katie McCabe get a yellow card today?'
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That account has since changed names but a clip shared on it this week showed McCabe expressing her frustration with how she is treated by referees.
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Katie McCabe opens up on treatment from referees
Katie McCabe appeared this week on 'Boots, Balls & Bras,' a women's football podcast hosted by England legend Fara Williams, a former teammate of McCabe's at Arsenal.
The Ireland skipper opened up on what she perceives to be differential treatment from referees, saying that some match officials have approached her before games expecting her to cause trouble.
this is what i was trying to get at for so long and eventually no one was hearing it!! pic.twitter.com/NEkovUtXl5
— betty (@yellows4KM11) April 3, 2025
McCabe called her treatment from referees "patronising," and expressed her frustration at her reputation.
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I've definitely had officials say to me before games, 'Am I going to behave?' and things like this and that. I do find it quite patronising.
There's a switch from your personal life then when you step onto the pitch, as you know. You're in a different mindset.
For me to be on my game, I need to be concentrated and up for it. I think my passion, from playing for the club for so long...at times, okay, it has spilt over. But I think, for me, it's frustrating because it's a preconceived thing that I'm [a lunatic].
Katie McCabe and Ireland return to action on Friday, hoping to put February's horror show 4-0 defeat in Slovenia behind them.
McCabe will captain the side, having helped drag Arsenal to a dramatic Champions League quarter-final comeback against Real Madrid last month with an immense performance at the Emirates.
Ireland face Greece in Crete on Friday, with kick-off at 3pm Irish time. The game is live on RTÉ 2.
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