Emma Hayes described a late disallowed goal as “embarrassing” after Chelsea were controversially held to a 2-2 draw at Real Madrid in their Women’s Champions League group opener.
Olga Carmona scored a 79th-minute penalty, despite Jessie Fleming’s challenge on Athenea del Castillo appearing to have started outside the box.
Chelsea’s woe was then compounded in added time as Niamh Charles — who had cancelled out Carmona’s 10th-minute strike and then set up Sam Kerr — saw a goal ruled out, though replays appeared to show her well onside.
Manager Emma Hayes — who has this week been confirmed as the new head coach of the U.S. women’s national team — was visibly frustrated at the final whistle as she approached the officials, and later said her team had been “robbed”.
She told reporters after the game: “We dominated the game and then we went 2-1 up. Then there is the free-kick that was awarded as a penalty. Then we score a legitimate goal.
“It is embarrassing. I had to check why it was disallowed. Was it Niamh? No. Was it Sam (Kerr) interfering with the goalkeeper? She was about seven yards away, no way near the keeper.I cannot understand the decision whatsoever.
“I think we’ve been robbed of what should have been a 3-1 game.
“We’ve had chances (to…
