6 hours ago
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Furious clubs are considering further action against WSL Football following Tuesday night's chaotic League Cup draw.
The Subway League Cup quarter-final and semi-final draw was live-streamed on TikTok, hosted by influencer GK Barry and her footballer girlfriend Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth.
In addition to several crude remarks and an insult directed at Tottenham Hotspur, the most pertinent moment came when a ball was mistakenly placed back into the bag, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the draw.
Barry, who retrieved the ball – which carried Tottenham's number – asked the camera: 'Am I allowed to do that? I've done it now, it's too late. Oh, I picked up the same ball.'
Sources indicate that an adjudicator was present and confirmed it was indeed the same ball; had that not been the case, the draw would have needed to be redone.
It is understood that clubs have requested access to the footage – currently unavailable after being aired solely via Tuesday night's livestream.
The Subway League Cup quarter-final and semi-final draw was live-streamed on TikTok , hosted by influencer GK Barry and her girlfriend Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth
There have been serious concerns about the draw's professionalism, not least Barry asking: 'What do we think of Tottenham?' – a reference to the anti-Spurs chant led by Arsenal fans.
Beyond questions over legitimacy, there have been serious concerns about the draw's professionalism, not least Barry asking: 'What do we think of Tottenham?' – a reference to the anti-Spurs chant led by Arsenal fans.
Daily Mail Sport understands that Tottenham Hotspur have since received an apology from WSL Football.
The broadcast also featured several crude references, including Barry saying: 'Send a Galaxy if you think that I've got a bigger bum than Ella', 'These are my balls right here on show. Get a load of it, usually I charge', and 'Lesbians handling balls. Never been seen before.'
Before the draw began, Barry shook the bag containing the balls and slapped it against her backside, adding: 'Give it a shake, a spank for luck.'
Viewers also complained that they could not keep up with proceedings, with one asking for a graphic to show which teams were playing each other. Barry responded by joking about needing a bigger budget.
It is believed the format was an attempt to appeal to younger audiences. While insiders recognise the desire to engage new demographics, this was viewed as a clear failure to get the basics right.
The draw saw holders Chelsea given a trip to Liverpool while last season’s runners up Manchester City will travel to West Ham United. Manchester United host Tottenham while Crystal Palace, the only WSL 2 side left in the competition, will play Arsenal at home. The winners of Liverpool v Chelsea will play the winners of West Ham v City while the winners of United v Tottenham will play the winners of Palace v Arsenal.
Daily Mail Sport have contacted the WSL for comment.
