Anger at Katie McCabe’s move to Chelsea is forgivable – crossing line into abuse is not | Suzanne Wrack

T he red neon lights flicker in the dark for a moment, then the room is blue, and there is Katie McCabe, a grin on her face and a Chelsea shirt on, her controversial switch across London complete after 11 years with Arsenal. The reaction has varied dramatically. At times it has been hilarious, with witty comments and memes abundant. There has been valid rage too, an intense rivalry having developed between the two sides as Chelsea swept up domestic honour after domestic honour and sought to eclipse Arsenal’s reputation as the most successful club in women’s football in England (in the modern era at least). McCabe has been at the heart of many a hotly contested meeting of the two teams. The versatile full-back often provoked the ire of opposition fans who took a disliking to her passionate play and physicality, qualities that equally made her beloved and fiercely defended by Arsenal supporters. Her longevity at the club and connection with the fans have probably made the reaction what it is; love becomes hate when you feel betrayed. McCabe’s outstanding season also demonstrated what Arsenal would be letting go when her contract expired. Some of the reaction has been less pleasant, though, crossing the line into abuse, some of which has been directed at her family. There is context to McCabe’s switch, too, that takes her firmly out of Sol Campbell territory ( plenty of lines continue to be crossed there too ). …