Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says her side were “robbed” of victory by “embarrassing” refereeing in their 2-2 draw with Real Madrid in the Women’s Champions League.
The Blues dominated their Group D opener but were undone by two controversial decisions – a late penalty call against them and a last-gasp winner ruled out for offside.
There is no video assistant referee in the Women’s Champions League group stage, unlike the men’s competition.
“I can’t remember the last time we were in a game like that when two humongous decisions like that have gone against us,” said Hayes. “That is a lot tonight.”
In the 77th minute, shortly after Sam Kerr had given Chelsea a 2-1 lead, Real Madrid forward Athenea del Castillo was caught by Jessie Fleming and went down in the penalty area.
A spot-kick was awarded by Danish referee Frida Klarlund but replays showed the foul had actually occurred outside the box, with Del Castillo’s momentum and a slick surface meaning the World Cup winner skidded into the area.
Olga Carmona buried the penalty with her second goal of the game to salvage a late point for Real Madrid.
“I could see from the bench that the tackle was outside the box,” said departing Chelsea boss Hayes.
“I’m absolutely shocked that those managing the game couldn’t see that.
“Of course maybe Jessie shouldn’t lunge in that area, but it happens clearly outside the box.
“At this level, when you are in control of a game and important decisions like that go against you, it makes it difficult.”
Source: BBC