Katie McCabe has released a statement on social media after sparking uproar for her challenge on Alyssa Thompson during the Champions League clash between Chelsea and Arsenal.
The two Women's Super League teams contested their Champions League quarter-final second leg match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.
Chelsea would prevail in the evening 1-0, but reigning champions Arsenal progressed to the last four thanks to their 3-1 victory in the first leg a week prior.
There was major controversy in stoppage time when McCabe tugged Thompson's hair to stop a counter-attack. A free-kick was given, but the Irish international escaped a yellow card. The video assistant referee did not advise referee Frida Mia Klarlund to review the incident.
Chelsea Manager Calls Out McCabe
Sonia Bompastor complains after Katie McCabe's hair pull
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor was furious following McCabe's challenge. She received two yellow cards in quick succession after angrily protesting the incident.
The Frenchwoman made her feelings very clear in her post-match interview. She brought her phone with her to show a replay of the incident, calling it a clear red card. She said:
"For me, it is clearly a red card for the Arsenal player. She's pulling Alyssa Thompson's hair. If the VAR is not able to check that situation, I don't know why we have the VAR. I'm the one getting a red card when I think the Arsenal player should be the one getting a red card."
She added: "I was emotional because I think it's clear for everyone and I think everyone could see the video. One of my players had their hair pulled, and I can probably understand how sometimes a referee can't see that, but why is the VAR not checking that situation? Why are they not going back to that?
"When you are playing football and someone pulls your hair, I don't know if you have been in that position before, but it's not nice at all. Of course, she was crying and emotional with that situation and the result."
Katie McCabe Releases Statement
Katie McCabe and Lauren James during Chelsea vs Arsenal
McCabe appeared to apologise to Thompson following her challenge. She took to social media after the game following the backlash, writing on Instagram:
"I just want to clarify that I was genuinely reaching for the shirt. I wouldn't ever want to pull someone's hair. Full respect to Thompson."
Arsenal coach Renée Slegers defended McCabe following the game, saying: "I haven't spoken to Katie, I've seen the incident back. I don't think it's deliberate. I think she tries to pull the shirt. Katie is very competitive. She wants to win, you see that in the way she plays, but for me she always plays fair. She would never do anything deliberately."
Arsenal will play either Lyon or Wolfsburg in the semi-finals of the Champions League.