Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor criticized the standard of officiating after her team's 3-1 Women's Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal. The Blues had two goals disallowed, including a controversial first-half decision that saw Veerle Buurman's header ruled out for a foul on Laia Codina, a call that former England captain Steph Houghton described as 'outrageous' on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Bompastor argued that the women's game needs 'more respect' and better officiating at the highest level. She questioned how VAR could not overturn the first disallowed goal, stating it was clearly a valid goal. The Chelsea manager expressed frustration that officials provide no feedback when decisions go against her team, noting similar issues in previous Champions League matches this season.

Despite her belief that VAR benefits the women's game, Bompastor insisted officials must be 'the right people' to review situations. She suggested bringing the best referees to major matches, whether from men's or women's officiating pools. Romanian official Alina Pesu, who oversaw the match, has officiated throughout this year's Women's Champions League and at last summer's European Championship.