Fast Goal by Chloe Kelly's Penalty Outpaces Most Powerful Shots in Last Premier League Season Sparks Controversy Among Fans
England's Lionesses Triumph in UEFA European Women's Championship, but Goal Comparisons Spark Debate
England's women's football team, the Lionesses, made history on July 27, 2022, by winning the UEFA European Women's Championship title. Chloe Kelly's penalty in the shootout after extra time sealed the victory. However, the celebration of Kelly's goal and its comparison to other notable football moments have sparked a heated debate.
Kelly's penalty was clocked at 110km/h, making it faster than the most powerful shot in the 24/25 Premier League season, scored by Alexander Isak. But some people argue that comparing these two goals is inappropriate due to their different contexts and the skills required.
Former professional Stan Collymore, who coaches girls' football, has spoken out against such comparisons, stating they are unnecessary and divisive. He believes that it's crucial to celebrate women's football achievements without comparing them to the men's game.
Critics argue that equating a successful penalty in high-pressure situations to a skillful or powerful shot in open play can undervalue the nuances of each type of goal and lead to unfair or misleading comparisons. Isak's goal may be seen as "better" due to the skill involved in open play, while Kelly's penalty carries its own weight due to the pressure of the moment.
The debate extends beyond the football field, as some argue that major sports outlets and media consistently compare women's football to the men's game for the purpose of generating rage comments. This practice has been criticized for inadvertently subjecting women athletes to sexist abuse on social media.
On the other hand, some criticism towards Kelly after her winning penalty in the Euros final concerns her celebration rather than the penalty itself, reflecting differing cultural or sporting expectations about player conduct.
This debate highlights a broader sensitivity in women's football discussions: comparisons to men's football or between different types of goals should consider context, skill sets, and the distinct challenges faced by players, rather than relying solely on superficial metrics.
Enjoying and glorifying women's sport is acceptable, but comparisons should be avoided to prevent sexist abuse on social media. As the Lionesses continue to make history, the focus should remain on their achievements rather than comparisons with other teams or individual players.
Sports analysts argue that the speed and pressure of Chloe Kelly's winning penalty in the UEFA Women's Championship might surpass some shots from the 24/25 Premier League season, like Alexander Isak's. However, Stan Collymore, a former professional and current coach of girls' football, suggests avoiding such comparisons, as they can undervalue women's football nuances and potentially lead to sexist abuse on social media.
