‘We were robbed’ – Emma Hayes slams referee for ‘worst decision in Champions League history’
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes did not 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 deficit in the first leg.
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Two contentious decisions went against the Blues after Kadeisha Buchanan was sent off and then a penalty was awarded and Hayes has lashed out at the officiating.
The Chelsea boss, who will leave at the end of the season to join the United States national team, insisted that her side were robbed of a spot in the Champions League final.
Speaking about referee Iuliana Demetrescu, Hayes said: "I was surprised when I saw her selected.
"She's famous for easy cards. That [red card] was probably the worst decision in UEFA Women's Champions League history. We were robbed."
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Barcelona took the lead through Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, whose strike took a deflection before creeping into the corner.
Buchanan then received a second yellow card on the hour mark despite TV replays showing she won the ball with VAR not allowed to intervene on bookings.
Soon after, Barca made the most of their numerical advantage before Bonmati was adjudged to have been fouled in the box.
While 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 reply, crashing out at the semi-finals of the Champions League and ending Hayes' dream of winning the competition.
She has never won the tournament and would have crowned an incredible 12 years in charge, where she has transformed the Chelsea women's side into a formidable machine.
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During her time at the club, Hayes has won six league titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups - but a European title has eluded her.
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