Arsenal coach accused of ‘bullying’ fourth official
Gareth Taylor, the coach of Manchester City, alleged that Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall engaged in “bullying behavior” towards the fourth official during their WSL encounter on Sunday.
Taylor and Eidevall were involved in numerous confrontational moments during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory.
The City coach mentioned that, at one instance, he felt the need to “shield” fourth official Melissa Burgin due to Eidevall’s conduct on the sidelines.
“That is always the same with him because he is constantly at the fourth official and I think it is bullying,” Taylor told BBC Sport after the match. “I am protecting the fourth official but that’s not my job.”
Referee Rebecca Welch did not issue any caution or warning to Eidevall during the match.
Manchester City suffered their inaugural defeat of the WSL season as goalkeeper Khiara Keating’s late error enabled Stina Blackstenius to calmly place the ball into an unguarded net.
Stina Blackstenius with a big goal! 🤩@ArsenalWFC #BarclaysWSL @SBlackstenius pic.twitter.com/Lx2Nhc6sVg
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) November 5, 2023
Taylor felt his side were hard done by, saying: “I think everyone who saw that game could see we should have won. We are feeling a little bit robbed.”
“The first 15 minutes stressed me out. I don’t think anyone planned to lose the ball in the way we did. So no, it didn’t go to plan. I’m happy the players could cope.”
Both teams will be participating in League Cup matches this week, with City playing away against Liverpool on Wednesday, and Arsenal hosting Bristol City on Thursday.
Arsenal coach accused of ‘bullying’ fourth official