‘They’re stonewall penalties’: Man Utd boss blasts refereeing decisions in defeat to Chelsea

The United boss was visibly angered as he bemoaned two refereeing decisions that he felt changed the course of a game which has a huge bearing on the Women’s Super League (WSL) title race.

Sam Kerr’s 22nd minute strike resulted in a narrow 1-0 defeat in London and saw the Blues leapfrog Manchester United to go top of the table, but the head coach was incensed at the decision not to award his side two penalties midway through the first half after both Nikita Parris and Ona Batlle apeared to be fouled in the box.

“I think it helps if you get two deisions that should go for you. There two big decisions and that’s the reality in these big games” said Skinner.

“We’ve came to Chelsea, we’ve had 63% possession, we’ve dominated the ball, we’ve moved Chelsea into being able to counter attack really and we’ve come away having got into the box twice and they’re two penalties”.

Kerr goal hands Blues advantage in WSL title race - match report and player ratings

“Two penalties in a game like this is massive. When I look back at the balance of the last few games, Chelsea got a goal that is offside a few days ago - these are the decisions that will make and break where you finish in the table. We say it balances out - well, I’m hopeful it will but the reality is in that game today we should have had two penalties. We are still awaiting to speak to them (the referees).

United winger Parris was incensed that she was not awarded a first half penalty when it appeared Kadeisha Buchanan caught the Lionesses winger as she entered the box, while Spanish full back Batlle was brought to the ground in the box after an aerial dual and Skinner shared his thoughts on recent refeering decisions in the women’s top tier.

“The girls will be fuming. You put a lot of energy and effort into the training during the week. You can see our progression as a team - we came here without fear. That’s a different Manchester United. You need things to go your way - even one of them, they are both stonewallers, but if one of them goes your way it is a different game.

“I haven’t really mentioned much this season about it (refereeing decisions) but they’re both stonewall in my opinion when I watched them both. The same incident - especially the aerial challenge - in midfield, it’s given as a foul. I just don’t get the difference.

“We have to invest, we have invest in the officials. We have to invest in the surrounding technology that can help. I’m not going to say much more, because you can tell I am frustrated with that.”