Stina Blackstenius saw her equaliser disallowed by referee Mellisa Burgin for handball, despite controlling it with her thigh
Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal celebrates scoring a goal which was later ruled outopen image in gallery
Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal celebrates scoring a goal which was later ruled out (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Support Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius saw her equaliser against Chelsea disallowed for handball in a controversial decision at the Emirates.
Blackstenius looked to have thumped Arsenal level early in the second half when she volleyed into the roof of Hannah Hampton’s net from a corner.
But the referee Melissa Burgin ruled it out after deciding that Blackstenius had used her arm to control Niamh Charles’s clearing header before striking at goal.
Arsenal were furious with the decision as replays showed that Blackstenius had controlled the ball with her chest and upper thigh and it had not hit her hand.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers led the appeals on the touchline, but with no VAR in the Women’s Super League the decision could not be overturned.
Renee Slegers was furious with the decisionopen image in gallery
Renee Slegers was furious with the decision (Action Images via Reuters)
Referee Melissa Burgin disallowed the goal for handballopen image in gallery
Referee Melissa Burgin disallowed the goal for handball (Yui Mok/PA Wire)
There were loud boos from the crowd of over 50,000 at the Emirates, while Katie McCabe picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Lucy Bronze amid the fury.
It was no immediately clear in the stadium why the goal was disallowed and the decision to rule it out came as the home fans were still celebrating.
Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea led thanks to Alyssa Thompson’s opening goal in the ninth minute of the match.