Arsenal have been charged by the FA for ‘failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion’ following Manchester City’s controversial opening goal during the side’s 1-1 draw in the WSL on Sunday.
City took the lead just after the hour mark, with Khadija Shaw slotting home Lauren Hemp’s delivery from close range. However, the manner in which the ball made its way to Hemp in the build up to the goal has been the source of much debate.
Lucy Bronze’s pass intended for Caroline Weir flicked off referee Abigail Byrne and into the path of Demi Stokes, who found herself in acres of space on the left flank. Stokes fed Hemp, and the England international darted past Noelle Maritz before crossing for Shaw to sweep home.
Kim Little, Beth Mead, Katie McCabe and Tobin Heath were all seen protesting the decision, while manager Jonas Eidevall was booked for his remonstrations and later called for referees in the WSL to made professional during his post match press conference.
A statement from the FA read: “Arsenal Women FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1. The club allegedly failed to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 67th minute of the game against Manchester City Women on Sunday 23 January 2022 in the FA WSL.”
The laws of the game state that in the event of the ball touching the referee or another match official, play will be stopped and a drop ball awarded if the ball goes into the goal, results in a change of possession or leads to a promising attack.
Arsenal were left aggrieved that Byrne did not stop play as her accidental intervention did lead to a promising attack from which City soon scored. However, as possession had not changed hands and as Stokes was in her own half when she received the fortuitously deflected pass, Byrne did not interpret the attack as promising and opted not to stop play.
Arsenal have until Monday 31 January to respond to the FA charge.