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According to Emma Hayes, her team Chelsea was unfairly treated after tying 2-2 against Real Madrid in their first Champions League match.
In a competition without the use of VAR, Real scored a goal in the 79th minute thanks to a penalty kick awarded by referee Frida Klarlund to Olga Carmona for a challenge by Jessie Fleming on Athenea del Castillo. Hayes firmly believed that the challenge occurred outside of the penalty box.
The coach of Chelsea was displeased with the decision to disallow Niamh Charles’ goal in stoppage time, possibly due to an offside call. They emphasized that Charles was in a legal position and that Sam Kerr did not disrupt goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez.
Hayes, speaking to journalists in Spain, expressed surprise that the officials did not see that the tackle for the penalty was made outside the box, as he had observed from the bench.
“Perhaps it would have been better for Jessie not to make such a sudden move in that particular area, but it was clearly outside of the designated zone. When competing at this level and being in charge of the game, it is frustrating when important calls like that do not go in your favor.”
In regards to the incident during stoppage time, she mentioned, “We scored a completely valid goal with Niamh Charles, who was three or four yards onside.”
I felt embarrassed and needed to investigate why it was not allowed. Was it because of Niamh? No, it was not. Was it because Sam (Kerr) was interfering with the goalkeeper? She was at least seven yards away and not anywhere near the keeper.
I am completely unable to comprehend the decision. In my opinion, we were unfairly denied a victory in what should have been a 3-1 game.
“It is not permissible to request clarification from the referee at the end of the game. Speaking to the officials is prohibited, whether it is on the field or through the media.”
“My main priority is focusing on my performance, as that is something I have control over. The decisions have been witnessed by everyone, so there is no need for me to provide any additional commentary on them.”
Real scored first at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium with a deflected shot from Carmona in the 10th minute. Carmona was also the scorer of Spain’s winning goal against England in the World Cup final this summer. However, Chelsea responded with two headed goals, with Charles scoring in the 41st minute and then assisting Kerr in the 74th minute.
After Carmona tied the score with a penalty kick, Lauren James hit the crossbar and a late goal was disallowed. As a result, the visitors were unable to start their final Champions League campaign on a winning note before Hayes departs for the United States job at the end of the season.
Hayes stated that our performance was effectively managed, particularly while playing away in Europe. We had a significant possession advantage and were able to maintain a comfortable lead.
“We simply made a tactical change during half-time because our pivots were not executing a small aspect properly. In general, we needed to improve in the attacking third, whether it was the final pass or something else.”
I believe the team performed better in the second half. We also hit the crossbar and should have been able to score from that opportunity. We had multiple chances, so we should be disappointed in our performance.
“I can’t remember the last time we were in a game like that when two humongous decisions like that have gone against us – that is a lot tonight.”
In Group D’s earlier match on Wednesday, Paris FC, who will face Chelsea in their next pool game at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, were defeated 2-1 at home by BK Hacken from Sweden.
Source: independent.co.uk
