“For example, we hosted a women-only alcohol-free viewing of the FA cup final, for Muslim women to feel comfortable and included.
“It’s been difficult to see the hard work that a lot of us have put in start to be undone by incidents like this.”
Ms Ismail says she hopes to back on the pitch soon, and is working with the FA and with the league to change the rules, with a longer term plan to work with the International Football Association Board to change the rules on an international scale.
“Your religious principles and what you’re comfortable have to take precedence.
“People say when you’re on the pitch, you’re a player, but I believe you should be able to bring your culture and your identity with you, yes it’s a personal act of defiance, but it’s so much bigger than just me.”