‘Imagine the outrage’: Matildas’ use of divisive tactic questioned

The Matildas are under scrutiny after an apparent brazen act of gamesmanship during their Women’s World Cup clash against Denmark.

The Matildas were able to compose themselves on the back of a controversial moment involving Steph Catley after the Danes had dominated the early exchanges.

Catley took some contact and stayed down on the ground to have her ankle assessed by medical staff.

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The Matildas used the break in play to huddle around coach Tony Gustavsson.

Catley was taken from the field briefly but returned to the pitch just moments after the re-start of play.

Channel 7’s Grace Gill said in commentary: “It’s a good question as to whether this moment was just a quick tactical discussion, because... there was a quick gathering of the players around Tony Gustavsson.

“Just to take, perhaps, a little bit of momentum out of Denmark, who have started this opening stanza really brightly.”

SEN producer Sam Watson posted on Twitter: “Imagine the outrage amongst footy fans if what Steph Catley just did happened in an AFL game.

“Talk about exploiting the rules to stem the opponent’s momentum.”

Sideline reporter Adam Peacock said on Channel 7: “I’m not sure if she’s called this so the rest of the team can go over and talk to Tony Gustavsson.

“Hopefully it’s OK. As soon as Catley hit the deck, Gustavsson was waving to say, ‘Come over and have a chat’.”

Veteran football commentator David Basheer also thought it was a deliberate move.

“You just wonder whether that was a tactical ploy. Other nations do it,” he said.

There was huge controversy earlier in the tournament when the Netherlands