Accusations made by Watford-born Kelly Smith have landed the Arsenal Ladies forward in hot water with the Football Association after claiming Abby Holmes intended to hurt her.

A challenge by the Sunderland Ladies player saw Smith tear three ankle ligaments last month in the match at Boreham Wood's Meadow Park.

And writing on Kicca, Smith accused Holmes of trying to hurt her and labelled the defender as “not good enough” to play in the Women’s Super League.

The FA have since formally contacted the former England international to “remind her of her responsibilities”. Meanwhile, a Sunderland AFC Ladies spokesman has confirmed Holmes is taking legal advice over Smith’s comments.

“We reported Kelly Smith to the FA as we believe that her public statement is a breach of FA Regulations and the Player’s Code of Conduct,” the spokesman said.

“Abby strongly refutes claims that there was any malicious intent in the challenge or that it was pre-meditated.

“Furthermore, she is taking legal advice regarding the nature of the remarks and as such it would be inappropriate to comment further at the present time.”