Controversial Decisions Overshadow WSL Title Clash
A dramatic Women's Super League encounter between Arsenal and Chelsea ended 1-1, but the match was overshadowed by two highly controversial disallowed goals that have ignited a fierce debate about the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the women's game.
Arsenal manager Renée Slegers led the calls for change after her team saw what appeared to be a legitimate equaliser from Stina Blackstenius chalked off in the second half. The Swedish striker thought she had levelled the score in the 53rd minute, but after a significant delay, the referee ruled it out for an alleged handball.
Managers Unite in VAR Plea
Renée Slegers did not hold back in her post-match assessment, stating emphatically: "In a game like this we need just decisions. We need justice. That's where I think VAR and technology can come in." She highlighted the growing stakes in the WSL, pointing out that "there's more and more at stake in the WSL, at the top but also in the relegation battle" and that the game must grow in all aspects, including officiating.
In a rare show of unity, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor echoed her counterpart's sentiments. "I think bringing the technology into the women's game would be probably the best call we can make," she stated, acknowledging the frustration Arsenal must have felt from the dugout.
Goal That Never Was
The most contentious moment came when Stina Blackstenius found the net, sparking wild celebrations from Arsenal players and fans alike. However, the joy was short-lived as the officials eventually disallowed the goal. Television replays later showed the ball had clearly struck the forward's hip rather than her arm, making the handball call erroneous.
Adding to the confusion, the corner that led to the goal opportunity should have been a goal-kick, but once play continued, the goal itself should have stood according to the rules of the game.
Slegers described the bizarre sequence of events: "The goal is scored, no one is calling for it, I turn around, the players are celebrating, the stadium goes crazy... Then, all of a sudden, I turned around and saw somebody saying the goal was disallowed so I was very surprised."
The controversy didn't end there. Arsenal's eventual equaliser from Alessia Russo in the 87th minute also came under scrutiny, with replays suggesting she may have been marginally offside. The Gunners believed they had snatched a winner in added time, only for Frida Maanum to be flagged offside in another tight decision.
Speaking on Sky Sports coverage, former England international Izzy Christiansen didn't mince her words, describing the officiating as "absolutely abysmal" and stating that Arsenal had been "robbed" of crucial points in their title challenge.
The match has intensified the ongoing discussion about implementing VAR in the Women's Super League, with managers, players and pundits alike now demanding that the technology keeps pace with the rapidly growing professional standards of the women's game.
