Bompastor slams officiating after Arsenal defeat – ‘women’s game needs more respect’

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has called for greater respect for the women’s game following her side’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg, where controversial officiating decisions took centre stage.

The Blues saw two goals ruled out at the Emirates Stadium, including a first-half effort from Veerle Buurman that could have shifted things at a crucial stage of the match.

Despite a VAR review, the decision stood, leaving Chelsea frustrated as Arsenal maintained control.

Bompastor, speaking after the match, questioned both the consistency and quality of refereeing at the highest level of the women’s game.

“It’s really frustrating. It’s always more difficult to complain about the referees when you have lost the game, but it’s not good enough,” she said.

Controversial decisions dominate match

The most debated moment came when Buurman’s header was disallowed for an alleged foul on Laia Codina. Replays suggested minimal contact, yet VAR did not intervene to overturn the call.

Bompastor did not hide her disappointment, insisting the decision undermined the competition’s standards.

“We need to really find solutions. When you are playing a quarter-final of the Champions League, you need to respect the women’s game,” she said.

“You need to respect the players. They work hard every week to put a good performance on the pitch. For sure, the first goal is a goal.”

Chelsea’s frustrations deepened later when another effort was ruled out, though that decision appeared more justified. Still, the cumulative impact left the visitors visibly aggrieved.

Call for higher refereeing standards

Beyond the result, Bompastor’s focus remained on improving officiating standards, particularly with the use of VAR.

“I don’t see, with the VAR, how you can disallow that goal. That’s a shame to be honest. It is what it is and it’s nothing we can control,” she added.

The French coach also revealed a lack of clarity in communication from officials during the game.

“Nothing. It’s always the same. You go to them and ask them to check they made the right decision, they always say ‘yeah, we are checking.’ But they made the wrong decision.”

Bompastor concluded by urging authorities to ensure top-level referees handle major fixtures, warning that poor decisions risk damaging the credibility of the competition.