Ruesha Littlejohn slams 'animalistic' Colombia in abandoned Ireland friendly

The clash between the two countries had to be abandoned after just 20 minutes due to the game being 'overly physical'.

Both teams are preparing to compete at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which commences next week.

Ireland star Denise O'Sullivan was on the receiving end of a strong tackle and has reportedly been sent to hospital for a scan on her shin.

Ruesha Littlejohn, the sister of talkSPORT's Shebahn Aherne, also played in the match and has revealed just how feisty the encounter was.

"She said it was animalistic behaviour, it was an unofficial match so they had to call it off," Aherne revealed to talkSPORT.

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"There were two separate tackles, one on O'Sullivan and one on Ruesha too.

"The players said to the officials, 'We play on until someone gets injured, or we call it off.'"

Ireland are just under a week away from competing in their first ever Women's World Cup tournament.

They will face co-hosts Australia next Thursday in their first match in Group B.

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Despite the abandonment of the friendly, the FIA revealed that the squad still worked hard ahead of their tournament opener.

A statement read: "The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, against Australia in Sydney on 20 July."

They also said that the match 'became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game.'

Ireland will then face Canada and Nigeria in their remaining two group games in the hopes of qualifying for the Round of 16.