Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor ‘frustrated’ by lack of action on technology in WSL

Sonia Bompastor called for the introduction of goal-line technology for the Women’s Super League after a contentious goal was given against her Chelsea side in their 5-2 win over Tottenham.

Chelsea led 1-0 when goalkeeper Hannah Hampton dropped a cross from Spurs’ Amanda Nilden with the referee’s assistant judging the ball had fallen behind the line, though video replays failed to confirm it.

A furious Hampton was booked for protesting the decision before the champions went on to assert their dominance with a ruthless attacking display.

Nevertheless, Bompastor said she was left “frustrated” by a lack of action on technology within the women’s game.

“It is available in the men’s game, it has been now 10 years,” she said. “When the technology is available for the men’s game, why shouldn’t it be the case for the women’s game?

“If we want to look more professional I think we need to move forward with it. Even if it’s a hard decision to make for the referees, I just think you have to be 100 per cent sure the ball was in to make that call. I don’t know if it was the case or not from Hannah’s reaction.

“But I really like the reaction of my players. The referee made the decision and we need to move on.

“If they ask me my thoughts about it I will tell them exactly what I just told you. When you work really hard during the week to prepare the game, if you just lose 1-0 because the referee made that decision without the technology, it’s so, so frustrating.

“You can work so hard and that decision can cost you three points and it’s so disappointing.”

Chelsea’s eventual win owed much to a fine display by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who has been arguably their player of the season so far.

It was her cross after 10 minutes that was finished off by Maika Hamano before Nilden’s cross slipped through Hampton’s grip for 1-1.

Nilden then headed into her own net from a corner before Kaneryd scored with a sensation flying volley, leaping into the air to convert Millie Bright’s pass and end Spurs’ resistance.

Sandy Baltimore got her second Chelsea goal, Eveliina Summanen’s free-kick reduced the arrears then Kaneryd rifled in a fifth at the end.

“I have to keep my secrets,” Bompastor said of the Swedish midfielder’s brilliant start to the season. “She had a great performance tonight. When the team is performing it’s always easier for individuals to perform, but she’s on fire.”

Bompastor confirmed that Lauren James will be out for several weeks with the calf injury that forced her to withdraw from the England squad.

Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn reflected on a game that put his team’s progress into perspective against the WSL champions.

“We gave them a fight, we played bravely, we played some really good football. A few of their players are world class.

“You need to realise who we are and who we are playing against and what we need to fix.”