Report: Controversial Decisions Spark Debate in WSL After Defeat | OneFootball

Matt Beard Questions Officiating Standards in the WSL

Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard has reignited the debate surrounding officiating in the Women’s Super League (WSL) after his side’s controversial defeat to Everton. Beard openly questioned whether referees might harbour a personal agenda against him following a contentious penalty decision that handed Everton their first WSL victory of the season.

Controversy at Goodison Park

Everton’s triumph came courtesy of Katja Snoeijs’s penalty after Fuka Nagano’s challenge on Honoka Hayashi. However, replays clearly showed the foul occurred outside the box, a decision that would have been overturned had the WSL employed video reviews.

Photo IMAGO

“I don’t know whether they [the officials] don’t like me personally,” Beard remarked post-match. “It could do. I’ve been booked for things this year when I’ve seen other managers do a lot worse and get away with it. The penalty decision cost us the game today.”

Beard pointed to the officiating team, including referee Abigail Byrne, for failing to spot the error. “You’ve got the official, the assistant referee, and the fourth official all with unblocked views. Even I saw the contact was about a yard outside the box,” he added, visibly frustrated.

A Pattern of Errors

Beard’s grievances with WSL refereeing extend beyond this latest incident. Liverpool have endured controversial decisions in two of their last three league meetings with Everton, including Yana Daniels’ disallowed goal in March 2023 and a similar fate for Missy Bo Kearns in October 2023.

Photo IMAGO

Reflecting on Sunday’s match, Beard highlighted further missed opportunities. “I feel we should have had two penalties. Olivia Smith was brought down in the box. Ceri Holland brought down in the box. Ultimately, those decisions have cost us either a point or potentially three points today,” he argued.

Photo IMAGO

VAR Debate Resurfaces

When asked about the potential introduction of VAR in the WSL, Beard remained sceptical, citing financial constraints. “The money is not there. We need to get the officials right. I think every manager feels the same every week,” he said.

He also criticised the inconsistency in officiating standards. “If you go over the course of this season, foul throws have been allowed. They come out and tell us they’re going to implement rules, and they don’t implement the rules,” Beard observed.

Despite his frustrations, Beard confirmed he would not be filing a formal complaint to PGMOL, the body responsible for WSL referees. “There’s no point in putting them in,” he said, acknowledging the limited accountability for such errors.

Challenges Ahead for Liverpool

Sunday’s defeat leaves Liverpool sixth in the WSL table, with just two wins from their opening eight matches. The gap to league leaders Chelsea now stands at 12 points. With Manchester United next on the fixture list after the international break, Beard will need to rally his team to reignite their campaign.

While Beard’s comments may not directly alter officiating standards, they shine a spotlight on the urgent need for improvements in the WSL’s refereeing system. As the league continues to grow in stature, ensuring fair play on the pitch must remain a top priority.