National Women's Soccer League: Findings of NWSL abuse 'absolutely devastating' - Brosnan
- Published
The Republic of Ireland's USA-born Courtney Brosnan plays for WSL club Everton
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan says she is "devastated" by the findings of "systemic" abuse and misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League.
A report released on Tuesday detailed evidence of abuse and misconduct - both verbal and sexual - in the top-flight domestic league.
Everton stopper Brosnan was born in New Jersey in the United States.
"It is scary to see that players aren't being protected," said Brosnan.
The 26-year-old added: "I have a lot of friends and team-mates who play in the league. I think it is absolutely devastating."
"Hopefully things are moving in the right direction and the right steps will be taken, but obviously you don't want to see any league or players go through something like that."
An investigation was launched last year following allegations made against North Carolina Courage's English head coach Paul Riley, who was sacked.
Riley, who has coached women's teams since 2006, has denied the accusations.
After the alleged offences against Riley came to light, a round of NWSL games were suspended before players halted matches in their own displays of unity, while league commissioner Lisa Baird resigned.
Report includes allegations about NI man Holly
In addition to Riley, Tuesday's report also looked into allegations against other coaches, including Northern Irishman Christy Holly.
Holly was sacked by Racing Louisville last year for sexual misconduct after groping a player. Holly has admitted to a relationship with the player but denies there was any sexual conduct while at the club, the report said.
On Wednesday, Racing Louisville president James O'Connor said hiring Holly was "a mistake" and, in an open letter, apologised to the player involved, as well as players past and present, for "creating a space where this behaviour could occur".
"The U.S. Soccer-released Sally Yates report which was published earlier this week served as a harsh reminder that appointing Christy Holly as Racing Louisville FC's first coach was a mistake. We have learned from that mistake," he said.
"While our former coach was terminated within 24 hours of us being alerted to the behaviour, we know that wasn't enough and that we failed our locker room by creating a space where this behaviour could occur.
"We have worked hard every day since then to ensure a safe environment that puts players in a position to succeed."
Brosnan, who was speaking with the Republic's World Cup play-off with either Scotland or Austria on 11 October described the report's contents as "absolutely shocking".
"Things weren't handled the best by the administration, so hopefully people will be held accountable and the right steps can be taken to get the league back to where it needs to be.
"We want to see all players thriving no matter what league they are playing in, so you just want to see the best for them and see things moving in the right direction."
NWSL players pause matches in show of solidarity last October