Abby Wambach Apologizes For Criticizing Ref

Photo © Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images.

Following the USWNT’s 2-0 victory over Colombia, Abby Wambach vented her frustration about head referee Stephanie Frappart, who was fairly eager to hand out yellow cards.

“It seemed like she was purposefully giving those yellows to the players she knew were sitting on yellows,” Wambach said. “I don’t know if it was just a psychological thing. Who knows?”

Abby Wambach Apologizes

Well, in the wake of possible disciplinary actions, she has backed away from her comments and has apologized.

“We’re all trying to do our very best and that’s what I feel bad about… I don’t know what she was thinking and nobody can,” Abby told FOX Sports. “She’s doing the best she can and, for me, I have the utmost respect for the referees who are refereeing these games… No way did I intend to offend her and my biggest apologies if it was offensive in any way.”

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It is understandable why Wambach was upset about the two yellow cards, as they were delivered to Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday. Both players already had previous cards and will now have to sit out tomorrow’s quarterfinal matchup against China. Still, organizations get a little feisty when it comes to criticizing refs, especially when Abby blatantly accused Frappart of purposefully sabotaging the USWNT.

At the same time, Wambach was not the only person to negatively comment on Frappart. “It was disappointing,” said Tobin Heath. “I think anybody watching the game would have been a little bit surprised at some of the things that were called.”

Neither player plans to appeal their suspension and they will be available in the semifinal match — if the U.S. beats China — against either France or Germany.