The delay of the Women’s Super League (WSL) match between Chelsea and Arsenal was caused by a kit clash which was “embarrassing,” according to former England midfielder Karen Carney. The game began 30 minutes behind schedule because Arsenal’s white socks were the same colour as those of the hosts. “People make mistakes but the game does not need this and it’s frustrating,” Carney added on Sky Sports. An Arsenal official purchased black socks from the Chelsea megastore and applied tape to conceal the Blues’ emblem.
The Football Association (FA) regulations state that teams must wear different colours. Despite Arsenal leading off the pitch this season in terms of crowds, attendances, and marketing, they “made a mistake” which is not beneficial to the game. “We’ve waited so long to talk only about football in the women’s game,” said Carney, a former player for both clubs.
WSL leaders Chelsea won 3-1 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 32,970, but Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s manager, expressed sympathy for Arsenal’s kit man and stated she would have helped him if possible. Arsenal coach Jonas Eidevall said he wouldn’t use the delay as an excuse for his side’s performance, and Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert said players were frustrated, but also suggested the team handled the delay well.
The match delay caused by the kit clash is regrettable, but Carney hopes that WSL matches will focus more on football in subsequent fixtures. Both teams are now looking forward to their next matches, which will hopefully feature fewer kit-related incidents
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