Chelsea boss Emma Hayes didn’t hold back after insisting her side were robbed in the Champions League against Barcelona.
Chelsea were knocked out by Barcelona in the Champions League on Saturday after a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit.
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Two controversial decisions were made against the Blues after Kadeisha Buchanan was sent off, then a penalty was awarded and Hayes lashed out at the referee.
The Chelsea manager, who will leave at the end of the season to join the United States national team, insisted his side were denied a place in the Champions League final.
Speaking about referee Iuliana Demeterscu, Hayes said: “I was surprised when I saw her selected.
“She is famous for her easy cards. [red card] It was probably the worst decision in the history of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. We have been robbed. »
Barcelona took the lead through Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, whose shot was deflected before slotting into the corner.
Buchanan then received a second yellow card on the hour mark despite television replays showing she had won the ball and VAR was not allowed to intervene on bookings.
Shortly after, Barca made the most of their numerical advantage before Bonmati was found guilty of a foul in the box.
Although there was contact it was somewhat minimal but the decision stood after a VAR check and Fridolina Rolfo converted from the penalty spot to give Barcelona the lead on aggregate.
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Chelsea had no answer, crashing out in the Champions League semi-finals and ending Hayes’ dream of winning the competition.
She never won the tournament and would have capped an incredible 12 years in charge, where she transformed the Chelsea women’s team into a formidable machine.
During his time at the club, Hayes won six league titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups – but a European title eluded him.
