Dual international Ellyse Perry’s W-League club have dismissed as a “storm in a teacup” suggestions she’s been targeted physically and verbally because of her glamorous public image.

The Sunday Telegraph reported Sydney FC star Perry, who represents Australia in both football and cricket, was kicked, punched in back play and sledged as “too soft” for football during last week’s opening round 5-1 win against Melbourne Victory.

Perry reportedly had stud marks down her leg from a tackle by sometime national teammate Lisa De Vanna, but she came off the bench to play the entire second half of Saturday’s 4-0 win over Newcastle despite having stitches in her leg.

While Sydney coach Alen Stajic felt De Vanna’s challenge probably merited a red card instead of the yellow she got, he was adamant Perry hadn’t been affected by the fuss.

“It’s like water off a duck’s back to her, she’s the ultimate professional,” Stajic told AAP.

“She always has been and always will be and it’s certainly not going to affect our team.

“She was almost apologetic about the article, she’s so down to earth and humble about it all.

“It’s a little bit of a storm in a teacup, according to us. It won’t really affect our team.”

Asked about the ‘too soft” allegation, he said: “She’s definitely not.”

Victory coach Dave Edmondson was reluctant to comment.

“The article doesn’t quote Ellyse and we’re not interested in getting involved in comments about things like that,'” Edmondson said.

Asked if there was any credence to the sledging allegations, Edmondson said “I’m not here to discuss things like that, we’re here to discuss football.”