Arsenal snatch point but referee’s touch irritates Eidevall
The decision of the referee, Abigail Byrne, to allow play to continue after the ball deflected off her in the buildup to Manchester City’s goal in their 1-1 WSL draw with Arsenal was strange. Arsenal’s Jordan Nobbs looked poised to intercept a crossfield pass until it was diverted to the feet of Demi Stokes. Stokes then set Lauren Hemp away on a marauding run before delivering a cross for Khadija “Bunny” Shaw to give City the lead after 65 minutes. City had dominated but Arsenal were right to feel hard done by as the rules seem pretty clear: if the ball hits a match official, remains on the field of play and a team start a promising attack, then play must be restarted with a dropped ball. “The referees should be professional,” said the Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevall. “They should be given all the resources that they need to prepare and practice and work on fitness and that’s where we need to focus. Let’s raise the standard around refereeing and give them the help they need.” In the end Arsenal snatched an important point in the title race through Tobin Heath’s injury-time strike. SW
