Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor has accused Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall of “bullying” the fourth official during their Women’s Super League match on Sunday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Taylor was involved in some heated exchanges with the Gunners boss on the touchline during the match.
He said he was “protecting” official Melissa Burgin because of Eidevall’s behaviour.
“That is always the same with him because he is constantly at the fourth official and I think it is bullying,” said Taylor.
“I am protecting the fourth official but that’s not my job.”
Taylor made his comments in an interview with the BBC, which came after Eidevall had fulfilled his own media duties.
The Gunners head coach did not speak about his interactions with the officials in his post-match remarks, but Arsenal are said to be disappointed by the comments after what they felt was a hard-fought match played in the right competitive spirit.
Eidevall was not booked or spoken to by the referee.
Arsenal defeated City thanks to Steph Catley’s early strike and an 88th-minute winner from Stina Blackstenius, who capitalised on an error by away goalkeeper Khiara Keating. The home side also had a penalty saved.
City were on top for most of the game, though, equalising through Chloe Kelly while also hitting the woodwork twice.
“I think everyone who saw that game could see we should have won. We are feeling a little bit robbed,” said Taylor.
“It’s a similar story to last season. We created a lot of chances and we’ve got to be better at the top end of the pitch.
“The performance was very good. We dominated and there was a point when I thought they were out on their feet and there was only one team that was going to win.”
Afterwards, Eidevall admitted: “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.”
