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Emily Keogh
Multiple Authors
LONDON — Chelsea’s head coach, Sonia Bompastor, expressed disappointment over a refereeing decision that disallowed a goal during her team’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. She emphasized the need for greater respect and better officiating in women’s football.
Veerle Buurman’s header was disallowed in the first half while Chelsea was trailing 2-0. Referee Alina Pesu ruled that Buurman fouled Arsenal defender Laia Codina before scoring, and VAR upheld the decision.
Chelsea did manage to score in the second half with a goal from Lauren James, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome, as Arsenal capitalized on Chelsea’s missed opportunities.
“That first goal was definitely a valid goal,” Bompastor stated during the post-match news conference. “I don’t understand how VAR could overlook that. It’s truly disappointing.”
Defender Lucy Bronze supported her manager’s sentiments, saying, “I think every player on the pitch believed it wasn’t a foul, except for the referee.”
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Was it the right call to disallow this Chelsea goal?
Veerle Buurman had her goal disallowed after a VAR review during Chelsea’s Champions League quarterfinal match against Arsenal.
“Once the ref made the call, I knew VAR wouldn’t overturn it. It was disappointing because it could have shifted our momentum,” she added. “That would have been a crucial goal to score at halftime.”
Bompastor also noted that no explanation was provided to the team regarding the decision not to award the goal. “They kept saying, ‘We’re checking,’ but ultimately made the wrong call,” she remarked. “When a human makes a mistake, it’s easier to understand, but with VAR involved, it’s very frustrating.”
The coach also recalled a previous officiating mistake when a goal by Catarina Macario was disallowed during a 1-1 draw with Barcelona, where she was ruled offside despite replays showing it was a tight call.
Bompastor emphasized the need for higher standards in officiating, stating, “When you’re at the quarterfinals of the Champions League, it is essential to show respect for women’s football and its players who work tirelessly for success. We deserve the best referees, even if it means bringing in officials from the men’s game. It’s critical for our sport.”
Chelsea will aim to overturn the 3-1 deficit in the second leg on April 1 at Stamford Bridge.