Liverpool’s record signing Olivia Smith “is probably going to get hurt” if the “treatment she is getting” from opponents continues to go unpunished by officials, says manager Matt Beard.

The 20-year-old scored her third league goal as Liverpool beat Brighton 2-1 in the Women’s Super League on Friday evening but was substituted in the second half after Beard claims she took a knock to the ribs.

Prior to Friday’s game, according to stats provided by Opta, Smith had been fouled 20 times, the most of any Liverpool player this season and second only to West Ham forward Viviane Asseyi’s 21 in the WSL.

Beard says the club sent video footage to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in December, highlighting what they believe is unacceptable levels of fouls Smith was getting from opponents.

He says it has become “clear and obvious” that opponents are targeting Smith and she is “not being protected” by officials.

“I don’t think we have had a response. We sent the clips in just before Christmas,” Beard added.

“It was the same as always [against Brighton], getting lumps kicked out of her. She deserves a lot of credit. We sent clips into [former referee] Rebecca Welch and the PGMOL to show the treatment she is getting.

“I said to Olivia she needed to take it as a compliment but there is only so much she can take. It is clear for everyone to see.

“At some point she is probably going to get hurt if it’s not dealt with. They should be penalised. The rules are the rules.”

Smith, who joined the club last June from Portuguese side Sporting CP for £210,000, said: “It gets hard to not lose your head when that’s happening in every single game.

“It’s not just in a game like this. There’s only so much I can do so I try to keep my cool as best I can.

“I’ve got used to it in the past couple of games, especially in this league. It’s probably the biggest league in the world so it’s a compliment.”

PGMOL have been contacted for a response.