Fran Kirby has said women's football 'deserves better' after the game between Chelsea and Liverpool was abandoned after just six minutes.
A pitch inspection took place at 9.30am, and despite the match being given a green light, referee Paul Howard took the players back to the dressing rooms soon after kick-off.
The match, held at the Blues' home ground Kingsmeadow, had already been subject to a pitch inspection at 9:30am due to concern of a frozen ground.
READ MORE: Chelsea vs Liverpool abandoned after just six minutes in 'shameful' and 'embarrassing' decision
But the decision was made to see the game go ahead, with blowers and pitch tents used in attempt to hasten the defrosting process despite referees calling the surface "unplayable", according to Chelsea manager Emma Hayes.
Fran Kirby has now spoken out at the decision and how it's impacting the state of play within women's football. The Chelsea and England player also apologised to fans - especially Liverpool fans - who travelled a nine-hour round trip.
She tweeted: "Apologies to both sets of fans who travelled today. Players safety should always be the number one priority.
"Luckily no one was injured today and the right decision was taken eventually. Women's football deserves better and we won’t stop fighting to make that happen."
From the opening minutes, the dire state of the pitch was on full display as players slipped on the icy surface. Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert was through on goal early on but fell dangerously onto the turf, banging her knee abruptly in the process. Niamh Charles fared similarly as she sprinted forward on the break with the ball at her feet.
Frustration was audible from the supporters, coaches and players alike as the decision was announced. Hayes approached the home fans to acknowledge their consternation but continued to emphasise the importance of protecting the players.
The FA were not in attendance at Chelsea's match on Sunday and Hayes voiced her disproval at their absence, stating that it was not the responsibility of the head coaches to make such decisions with potentially deep repercussions on the league table.
"You could see from the opening minutes that it was like an ice rink down the sides," Hayes continued. "Matt Beard was upset that it even got to point and he's right. It's not for managers to decide if it's on - it's up to the FA and officials. We have to say to ourselves that it's time for undersoil heating. We've got to take our game seriously. Yes, we can have our blowers and pitch tents but it's not enough."
Chelsea currently sit top with a three-point lead, though title-chasers Manchester United and Arsenal both tout a game in hand.
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