Speaking to the media after her side’s hopes of reaching the UEFA Women’s Champions League final came to an abrupt end following a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Barcelona, Emma Hayes cut an emotional figure as lamented poor refereeing decisions that saw Kadeisha Buchanan dismissed and the visitors awarded a controversial penalty.
‘Listen, they’re the best team in the world for a reason,’ Hayes suggested in her post-match press conference, adding that ‘the deflected first goal puts them in a good position.’
But the departing Chelsea boss was quick to blast the decision to dismiss Kadeisha Buchanan for a second bookable offence just before the hour mark, telling reporters that ‘the players felt really confident so when you get such a shocking officiating decision, there’s nothing you can do about it.’
Embed from Getty Images‘Even Barcelona players said to us that they knew the referee was helpful for them… it was probably the worst decision in UWCL history.’
‘We were robbed,’ she said, appearing on the verge of tears – a rare show of emotion from a manager who has at times appeared superhuman.
‘I stood there and looked at the 4th official and said ‘surely that’ll be checked’ and they said they can’t on a yellow.’
‘The toughest thing to take is that we didn’t lose it. There’s nothing you can do when there’s such a terrible decision. It’s already hard enough, they’re a top team and when that’s taken out of your hand, it’s a tough one for the players.’
‘I can’t do anything about it. I think that’s the hard part when you work so hard. You expect the best from our officials at the very least so it feels very, very hard to take.’
