Chelsea manager Bompastor criticizes referee following first-leg defeat to Arsenal.
LONDON — Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor expressed disappointment over the refereeing decision that disallowed a goal for her team during their 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, emphasizing that the women’s game merits greater respect and the best officiating.
Veerle Buurman’s header was disallowed in the first half after Chelsea had already fallen behind 2-0. Referee Alina Pesu determined that Buurman had committed a foul against Arsenal defender Laia Codina while attempting to head the ball. The VAR did not reverse the call.
Chelsea managed to score with a goal from Lauren James in the second half, but it proved inconsequential as Arsenal capitalized on Chelsea’s missed opportunities to gain control of the all-English matchup.
“Without a doubt, the first goal is a goal,” Bompastor stated at a post-match press conference. “I cannot understand how VAR did not allow that goal. Itβs truly unfortunate, to be honest.”
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze supported her manager’s remarks.
“I don’t believe any player on the field thought that was a foul, to be honest, except for the referee,” Bronze commented to Disney+.
play1:31Was it the right call to disallow this Chelsea goal?
Veerle Buurman has her goal disallowed following a VAR review as Chelsea attempts to regain footing in their Champions League quarterfinal match against Arsenal.
“I think once the referee made the call, VAR was unlikely to overturn it. It was disappointing because I felt we could have shifted the momentum back a bit, but it took longer than expected.
“Scoring that goal just before halftime would have been significant. I believe we could have made an even stronger comeback in the second half. Thatβs how the momentum of games works, and itβs just disappointing.”
Bompastor noted that the team was not provided with an explanation for the decision to disallow the goal.
“They always say, ‘Yes, we are checking,’ but they make the incorrect decision and nothing changes. Honestly, when a human makes a mistake, itβs somewhat understandable, but when VAR is involved, it becomes really challenging,” she added.
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Bompastor also mentioned Chelsea’s belief that they were on the receiving end of a refereeing mistake when a goal by Catarina Macario was disallowed in the 1-1 draw with Barcelona during the League Phase.
Officials ruled the United States forward offside, although replays indicated it was a very close call.
The French coach — the only individual to have won the competition as both a player and a manager with her former club OL Lyonnes — asserted that the game deserves increased respect and the best referees, even if that means sourcing officials from the men’s game.
“When you are competing in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, there needs to be more respect for the women’s game and the players, as they work diligently each week to deliver strong performances on the pitch.
“We deserve the best referees, so bring in the best. Whether that means bringing them from the men’s game or having women from the women’s game, we need the top officials to make our decisions because, once again, itβs incredibly frustrating.”
Chelsea will aim to overcome the 3-1 deficit in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on April 1.
