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Chelsea manager criticizes refereeing standards in Champions League defeat
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea's manager, expressed frustration over officiating decisions that saw two goals disallowed in their 3-1 Women's Champions League quarter-final first-leg loss to Arsenal. The Blues' manager called for greater respect and competence in officiating the women's game.
Controversial disallowed goals
Chelsea had two goals ruled out during the match at the Emirates Stadium. The first, a contentious decision in the first half, involved Veerle Buurman, who was adjudged to have fouled Laia Codina before scoring. This decision was upheld by the video assistant referee (VAR), despite protests from Chelsea's bench.
Had the goal stood, it would have reduced Arsenal's lead to 2-1 just before half-time. The second disallowed goal, in the closing stages, was deemed the correct call after replays confirmed a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe.
Reactions from the touchline
Bompastor was visibly upset, approaching the fourth official to question the first disallowed goal. Her frustration was evident as she kicked a bottle on the touchline following the second ruled-out effort. Chelsea's players appeared equally bemused by the decisions.
"It's really frustrating. It's always more difficult to complain about the referees when you have lost the game, but it's not good enough. We need to really find solutions. When you are playing a quarter-final of the Champions League, you need to respect the women's game. You need to respect the players. They work hard every week to put a good performance on the pitch. For sure, the first goal is a goal."
Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea Manager
Calls for better officiating
Bompastor acknowledged the benefits of VAR but stressed the need for competent officials to operate it. She suggested that the best referees, whether from the men's or women's game, should be assigned to high-stakes matches to ensure fairness.
"I don't see, with the VAR, how you can disallow that goal. That's a shame to be honest. It is what it is and it's nothing we can control. When a human makes a mistake, you can understand a little more but when there is the VAR, it's really difficult."
Sonia Bompastor
She also referenced a previous incident in the Champions League against Barcelona, where a goal by Catarina Macario was incorrectly ruled offside, further highlighting her concerns about officiating standards.
Pundits weigh in on refereeing decisions
Former England captain Steph Houghton described the first disallowed goal as "outrageous" and "so clear" that it should have stood. She criticized VAR for failing to correct what she saw as an obvious error.
"I don't understand what VAR is seeing. Once the goalkeeper misses the ball, she [Buurman] just gets higher than Laia Codina and it is so clear to see it should be a goal. Chelsea will be so disappointed. That goal would have got them back into the game. It's a really soft decision."
Steph Houghton, Former England Captain
London City Lionesses forward Nikita Parris labeled the decision a "poor refereeing decision," while ex-striker Ellen White called for more composure from officials, suggesting the referee was too quick to blow the whistle.
Looking ahead to the second leg
Chelsea will aim to overturn the two-goal deficit in the second leg on 1 April, a task they achieved last season against Manchester City. The Blues remain focused on progressing in the competition despite the setback.
