Katie McCabe has addressed the late incident involving Alyssa Thompson after it turned one of many largest speaking factors in Arsenal’s Champions League win over Chelsea Ladies.
With Chelsea pushing for a late equaliser, McCabe reached out as Thompson broke ahead, showing to tug her hair. The incident was not punished on the pitch, and VAR didn’t intervene.
After the match, McCabe took to Instagram to clarify her actions:
“I simply need to make clear that I used to be genuinely reaching for the shirt. I wouldn’t ever need to pull somebody’s hair. Full respect to Thompson.”
The second rapidly drew robust reactions, particularly from Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor, who was livid with the choice to not overview the incident.
“For me, it’s clearly a pink card for the Arsenal participant. She’s pulling Alyssa Thompson’s hair,” she stated.
“If the VAR isn’t in a position to test that scenario, I don’t know why we have now the VAR.”
Bompastor’s frustration continued on the touchline, the place she was first booked after which despatched off as she protested.
“I’m the one getting a pink card after I suppose the Arsenal participant must be the one getting a pink card.”
She later revealed the affect on her participant:
“She’s crying and emotional… if you end up taking part in soccer and somebody pulls your hair, it’s unhealthy.”
From Arsenal’s facet, supervisor Renee Slegers recommended there was no intent behind the incident.
“My assumption is it’s not intentional however it’s after all unfortunate.”
The choice to not overview the second has continued to divide opinion, with former gamers additionally questioning the result.
“It’s actually, actually cynical and it doesn’t look nice,” stated Steph Houghton.
Regardless of the controversy, Arsenal held on to progress, however the closing moments have left an enduring speaking level.
