VAR Controversy Sparks Reaction from Bompastor
Sonia Bompastor expressed her frustration once more at VAR following its failure to review a hair pull by Katie McCabe on Alyssa Thompson, which could have warranted a red card. Instead, it was Bompastor who received a booking and subsequently was sent off during the match.
After McCabe was not penalized late in the game, Bompastor received her first yellow card for her vocal protests towards the referee. The VAR did not intervene, indicating it found no issue with the referee’s decision on the field.
Shortly after, Bompastor stepped onto the field to quickly retrieve the ball for her team, resulting in a second yellow and a red card. While she refrained from commenting on her ejection, she was firm in asserting that VAR should have assessed the hair-pulling incident, again criticizing the technology’s application in women’s football.
“I was emotional in that moment because it seemed clear to everyone,” Bompastor said. “I understand that referees sometimes might not see certain incidents, but I can’t comprehend why VAR doesn’t review such actions, especially since this isn’t the first occasion.”
She highlighted that Thompson, her player, was emotionally affected by the incident, stating, “She was crying. When you’re playing and someone pulls your hair, it’s unsettling.” McCabe defended herself on social media, explaining that her action was unintentional as she was reaching for Thompson’s shirt.
In addition, former WSL striker Ellen White criticized the lack of intervention, mentioning that the incident appeared cynical and should have warranted a review. Arsenal’s manager, Renee Slegers, mentioned that McCabe’s action seemed unintentional but was unlucky.
Bompastor also referred to previous errors made by the same officials in past Champions League matches. “The referee in this match has previously made questionable decisions,” she stated. “It’s disheartening, not just for me, but for my players who deserve acknowledgment for their performance.”
Conclusion
The quarter-final match between Chelsea and Arsenal concluded with a 3-2 aggregate victory for Arsenal, despite Chelsea winning 1-0 in the second leg. Bompastor’s frustrations underscore the ongoing issues with officiating and VAR in women’s football, which may need to be addressed moving forward.
