Women's Super League: Officiating criticised after Manchester United penalty decision
- Published
Headed clearance mistaken for handball in 'unreal' penalty award
Ex-England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis says the topic of refereeing in the Women's Super League "needs to be raised" after an "unreal" penalty was awarded against Manchester United.
Katie Zelem was penalised for handball despite the ball clearly hitting her head in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Reading.
Midfielder Fara Williams scored from the spot to earn the Royals a point.
"We've questioned the quality of officials, we have done for many a year," said Brown-Finnis.
She told The Women's Football Show: "Apparently it's been addressed but this incident highlights maybe the question needs to be raised again."
Brown-Finnis, who played for Everton and Liverpool, called the decision from referee Kirsty Dowie "unbelievable" and "unreal".
Last month Manchester United manager Casey Stoney said she does not want video assistant referees introduced in the WSL, while for the first time this season officials are subject to the same analysis used in the Premier League.
"I will keep harping on about referees until it's improved because we've got a professional game and amateur referees, it doesn't work," former England defender Stoney told the Telegraph, external after Sunday's match at Adams Park.
"Why do we bother going into that much detail, putting that much into the players, the players working so hard when we come here and that's what they get and that's the level of performance from the referee? The players deserve more."
"At this level that's not a mistake you should be making as a referee."
United keeper Mary Earps said the decision had "robbed us of two extra points".
'Our league needs better'
Despite profiting from the error, Reading captain Natasha Harding was also critical of officiating in the WSL after the match.
"The level of officiating hasn't grown/developed with us and our game," the Wales international said., external
"We deserve better. Our league needs better."
Manchester United defender Millie Turner added:, external "All week we work and prepare so hard, we give everything on the pitch and we get decisions like this... It's ruining our game."