Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool WSL match delayed as statement issued

Tottenham’s home Women’s Super League clash with Liverpool faced an unexpected delay over an absent ambulance.

The WSL clash was initially scheduled for 12:00pm in line with the other three matches of the day, but had to be moved.

A statement from Spurs said: "Today’s kick-off is delayed until 12:15 while we wait for the mandatory player ambulance resource to be in place.

“We thank supporters for their patience and understanding.”

The clash will take place at Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road with Spurs fourth in the WSL and Liverpool 11th without a point in five games.

What are the WSL guidelines on ambulances?

With the WSL being governed by UEFA, the European football body have a number of rules surrounding pre-match medical checks.

Their guidelines state that 'an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance, staffed by at least one paramedic, must available at the stadium'.

Alternatively it must be at 'another suitable location to permit emergency medical evacuation from the stadium/hall without delay'.

The match delegate must also check if the ambulance is present at the stadium from 1.5 hours before the match starts to 1 hour after its

completion.

It should also contain 'a fully equipped emergency bag and defibrillator'.

The ambulance but also be 'dedicated solely to players, team officials, the referee team and match officers'.

The match eventually got underway at 12:15pm, but there were key absentees for both teams.

The hosts are without Maite Oroz who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Liverpool have received similar blows, with both Marie Hobinger and Sophie Roman Haug also injuring their ACLs on international duty.

WSL paramedics were called into action three weeks ago when Brighton's Maelys Mpome suffered a worrying head injury.

The match at the Emirates was delayed for ten minutes while the defender was treated for a head injury.

She was then seen leaving the field in a head brace and wearing an oxygen mask.

Mpome was diagnosed with a concussion, but hasn't featured for Brighton since the injury.

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