In the aftermath of Chelsea’s heartbreaking defeat by Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League semi-final, manager Emma Hayes did not mince her words. She labeled the decision to give Kadeisha Buchanan a red card as the “worst decision in Women’s Champions League history.” Buchanan’s expulsion, for a second yellow card offense, left Chelsea depleted as they succumbed 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, exiting the tournament 2-1 on aggregate.
Hayes vehemently protested what she deemed as biased officiating by referee Iuliana Demetrescu, expressing her belief that her team was unjustly robbed of victory. The contentious second yellow card issued to Buchanan, for a challenge on Patri Guijarro, incited Hayes’ disbelief. Despite Chelsea’s valiant efforts, including hitting the post while level on aggregate, the red card proved to be a pivotal moment, shifting the momentum in Barcelona’s favor.
With VAR limited to reviewing potential red card decisions, Hayes expressed frustration at the inability to contest yellow card rulings. She condemned the decision as “horrific,” lamenting that such an egregious error deprived her team of a fair chance at victory.
Departing Chelsea at the end of the season, Hayes leaves with a sense of unfinished business, having conquered every trophy except the Champions League. The bitter taste of controversy will linger, casting a shadow over an otherwise illustrious tenure at the helm of Chelsea’s women’s team.
