Emma Hayes and Darren Carter express concern over WSL refereeing

The standard of refereeing in the Women’s Super League has come under fire again with Chelsea boss Emma Hayes and Birmingham City manager Darren Carter both criticising the performances of officials.

Chelsea were denied a stonewall penalty for handball in their clash with Arsenal on Friday while Birmingham had goalkeeper Emily Ramsey wrongly sent off against Leicester last weekend. 

The decisions had an impact at the top and bottom of the league. Chelsea drew 0-0 and missed the chance to go top. Birmingham were beaten 2-1 by their relegation rivals.

‘It’s a clear penalty,’ said Hayes after Chelsea’s draw. ‘Referee Rebecca Welch saw an arm, she looked at Leah Williamson and asked, “Did you handball it?”.

‘It seems ridiculous an official is asking a player that question but an outstanding official, the best we have in our league, missed the biggest decision.’

Officiating in the WSL is not yet professional but Carter believes that has to change.

‘Last Sunday’s scenario came down to a lack of knowledge on the rule which is unbelievable,’ he said. ‘We as WSL clubs adhere to Premier League standards. The officiating has to be at that standard. This is the frustrating thing because we want to push the women’s game forward.’

UEFA last week urged Europe’s top female referees to ‘make every performance count’ in order to book their place at this summer’s Euros. But how many of those referees will be full-time professionals?

Perhaps governing bodies should ask themselves what they need to do to help officials in the women’s game improve. The players deserve better.