26 August 2023 , 09:35
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Former Manchester United Women's boss Casey Stoney was all cheeky smiles and heel clicks until she was sent off in injury-time of an NWSL match for an "absolutely ridiculous" incident.
With eight minutes of added time remaining, Stoney's San Diego Wave led the Orlando Pride 2-1 on Friday night in a tense domestic clash.
A goal kick from the Wave's Kailen Sheridan sailed out of play near the touchline where Stoney sat atop an ice chest. And as the ball bounced towards the former United manager, she appeared to casually kick the ball further down the touchline much to the chagrin of Brazilian star Adriana.
And while Stoney attempted to dismiss her actions as nothing more than innocent fun, the match official eventually showed Stoney a straight red card for the intentional delay of play.
An incredulous Stoney was forced down the tunnel as USWNT striker Alex Morgan attempted to appeal to the official but her entreaties were ultimately in vain. The Wave eventually saw out their 2-1 victory over the Pride to see them sit second in the NWSL standings, just one point behind league leaders Portland Thorns.
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But the video of Stoney's ejection from the match has ignited a Twitter storm, with fans relishing the hysterical nature of the sending off and others criticising the commentators' brazen shock at the decision.
"If you're going to card someone, you're going to be carding that Body Armour cooler... is that? That is shocking," said one commentator. "How can that be a red card? That is absolutely ridiculous," added the other.
Stoney has taken charge of NWSL side San Diego Wave since leaving Manchester United (Getty Images / 2022 Jenny Chuang/ISI Photos)However, Twitter users have been left far less disbelieving of the incident's merits, pointing out that the bylaws explicitly state that kicking the ball away is a red card offense for team officials.
Stoney, who has been in management since retiring from playing in 2018, was announced as the head coach of the newly-formed Wave in the summer of 2021 following her surprise departure from United. Her first season at the helm saw the California club reach the NWSL semi-finals but lose to eventual champions Portland Thorns FC.
The club's impressive debut season earned Stoney the league's coach of the year award.
Her recent successes have also seen her linked with the now-vacant USWNT manager job following the resignation of USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski after a worst-ever finish for the former reigning world champions.