11 October 2023 , 12:21
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The referee at the centre of some controversial decisions during Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the WSL won't take charge of a top-flight game this weekend.
Emily Heaslip sent off both Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp during a fiery clash at the Joie Stadium. The England internationals were both dismissed for second yellow cards, with Greenwood's in particular a hugely controversial decision.
The City captain was shown a second yellow card for time-wasting in the 38th minute, taking too long over a free-kick; at least according to Heaslip. The decision sparked fury from the home supporters who booed loudly both when Greenwood left the pitch and at half-time.
Heaslip was later escorted off by security at the end of the game, as City fans again voiced their anger at her decisions. This was after she played 13 minutes of injury time, during which Chelsea salvaged a point.
Heaslip was already on the verge of losing control of proceedings after the first red card, showing yellows to City trio Chloe Kelly, Laia Aleixandri and Jill Roord for dissent in just seconds, after they protested the decision. Hemp was also later booked for dissent in the second half.
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And after she tangled with Lauren James, Heaslip showed the England winger a second yellow, meaning City were down to nine players. This led to a booking for City manager Gareth Taylor for dissent and further booing in the stands.
Chelsea eventually took advantage with Guro Reiten poking home a 96th minute leveller against the nine-player City side, while Heaslip faced the wrath of the crowd at full-time. The hosts had led for much of the game after Kelly's first half wondergoal.
The decisions were slammed by both Ian Wright and Arsenal star Beth Mead, while BBC pundit Fara Williams said Greenwood's red card was "shocking" and "ruined the game." Reacting to the incident, Wright wrote on Twitter : "Embarrassing. They keep telling us about laws of the game but where is common sense! Why would she be wasting time???"
Heaslip took centre stage at City only one week after she was accused by Arsenal supporters of not cracking down on time-wasting from the opposition, during their 1-0 loss at home to Liverpool. During that game 15 minutes of added on time were played, something later criticised by Liverpool manager Matt Beard.
But the Suffolk official won't be in charge of a WSL game this weekend. Heaslip does not feature on the referee appointments for round three, instead taking charge of Billericay Town v Sheppey United in the men's FA Cup. Instead Stacey Pearson, Adewunmi Soneye, Stacey Fullicks, Amy Fearn, Kirsty Dowie and Abigail Byrne will referee the six WSL games this weekend.
Round three of the new season kicks off when Chelsea host West Ham on Saturday where Pearson will officiate. Meanwhile, Fullicks will take charge of City's next game, at home against newly promoted Bristol City.