)
Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes had strong words in her post-match presser following the UWCL exit to Barcelona, blaming the "worst decision in Women's Champions League history" for her team's woes.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes criticised referee Iuliana Elena Demetrescu’s decision to send off Kadeisha Buchanan in the defeat to Barcelona, calling UEFA’s decision to place her in charge of the match "the worst decision in Women's Champions League history."
The Blues lost 2-1 on aggregate in Saturday's semi-final to Barcelona, with Buchanan's dismissal just before the hour mark proving to be a pivotal moment. Buchanan received her second yellow card for a challenge on Patri Guijarro, a decision that changed the game.
)
22:14 - 27.04.2024
VAR denies Chelsea sensational comeback win against Aston Villa
A commendable second-half performance saw Chelsea claw back a two-goal deficit against Aston Villa, but VAR prevented them from completing the comeback.
)
16:18 - 27.04.2024
Why Victor Osimhen must say NO to Chelsea to avoid turning into Morata, Jackson
Osimhen is set to leave Napoli this summer but is Chelsea the right club for the Super Eagles star?
Hayes' Reaction
“I didn’t think it was a foul let alone a yellow card," Hayes said. "We didn't feel like we had the opportunity to lose the game. That was taken away. I was surprised when this referee was selected for the game. She's famous for easy cards.
“It's the worst decision in UEFA Women's Champions League history. I'm gutted for the players. We were robbed."
Despite the disappointment, Hayes expressed pride in her team's performance and lamented the missed opportunity to win the UWCL.
)
Next Steps for Chelsea
The Blues need to regroup quickly as they face Liverpool in the Women's Super League on Wednesday night. With the UWCL now out of reach, Chelsea's focus turns to securing the WSL title before Hayes departs at the end of the season to take charge of the United States women's national team.
Related content
)
23:44 - 22.04.2024
Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati becomes first footballer to win Laureus Sportswoman of the Year
Aitana Bonmati and the Spanish women's national team made history at the Laureus Awards' The Barcelona midfielder became the first footballer to win Sportswoman of the Year, while la Roja became the first all-women team to win Sports team of the Year.
)
18:30 - 20.04.2024
Balon d'Or winner accuses Chelsea of 'playing dirty' in UECL triumph
Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati believes Chelsea employed underhanded tactics in their Champions League clash.
)
17:45 - 20.04.2024
3 Records Triumphant Chelsea Set Against Hapless Barcelona in UEFA Women's Champions League Upset
Chelsea upset the odds to earn a historic victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)