EMMA HAYES believes refs in the Women’s Super League must be protected — not slaughtered.
The Chelsea boss has defended league officials following her team’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday thanks to a controversial penalty.
Emma Hayes has claimed clubs need to put money forward to help solve the issueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Reds boss Casey Stoney slammed Jack Packman — the third replacement referee that day after two others pulled out.
WSL officials are appointed from a pool of National League refs.
The highest-ranked female referee, Rebecca Welch, juggles a 30-hour week in the NHS with officiating in the top tier of women’s football.
Hayes, who takes the Blues to Birmingham City tomorrow, said: “It’s easy to wallop the officials.
“They’re paid £120 a game. Make them full-time, stop having a go.
“I feel very differently to Casey’s comments last weekend, no not OK.
“As clubs, we need to put money into the issue.
“Conference refs aren’t good enough, they should be Championship level and make them full-time. Why are we half-arseing it?”
“People say ‘oh a women’s game is tough because women don’t remonstrate’ well that’s all changed now. Why? Pressure.
“All of a sudden managers are getting more vitriolic, players are getting more aggressive. Well that’s just coming with the territory.
“Fourth officials aren’t used to managing the benches in our game but they better get used to it because we’re going to try and intimidate you.”
The Blues may be without Fran Kirby on Sunday as she picked up a virus earlier on in the week.
Meanwhile, ex-England striker Eni Aluko, 32, is leaving Juventus.
Premier League refs stunned after chief Mike Riley says he’s ‘well pleased with how VAR is operating’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
