Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has criticized the “masculine aggression” shown by her Arsenal counterpart Jonas Eidevall on the touchline of Sunday’s Conti Cup final.
Stina Blackstenius scored the final’s only goal in extra time to settle the match in Arsenal’s favor and ensure Eidevall’s side retained the trophy they won last season.
Hayes and Eidevall appeared to share disagreements on the touchline during the final at Molineux, before the Chelsea manager appeared to pull the Swede away from her once the match was over.
“There’s a way to behave on the sideline,” Hayes said of the incident after the game.
“It is absolutely essential that we model the right way, but I am not in favor of male aggression on the touchline and in front of players. For me, this is unacceptable. I was disappointed and told Jonas. I don’t think it’s right to behave like this.
“He received a yellow card and probably should have been sent off. I’m all for competing to win, I’ve never been booked in 12 years. I totally accept that he is a winner but his behavior was not acceptable.
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Hayes was then pressed on what sparked the disagreement, which appeared to stem from a contested throw-in.
“Yeah, there were a few,” Hayes said. “One with Ann (Katrin Berger) coming to get the ball. The way he introduced himself to Erin (Cuthbert) didn’t seem acceptable to me.
Hayes added: “I don’t think we should blow it. I’m sure when he’s calm we can discuss it. I was clear with him, I don’t think this is acceptable. This is not the first time he has been asked about his behavior on the touchline.
“We don’t need to make a big deal out of it, the problem is that you will. I just want to congratulate Arsenal and I don’t want the topic of discussion to be about that.
Eidevall called Hayes’ comments “very irresponsible” and rejected the Chelsea manager’s version of events.
“I think (saying ‘male aggression’) is a very irresponsible way to characterize the behavior that I engaged in,” Eidevall said of the incident. “I don’t feel comfortable with this label. I don’t think that’s the truth, so I think it’s very irresponsible.
“People can listen to what I say and see what I do. There is nothing abnormal or extraordinary. »
Eidevall added of the throw-in incident: “I don’t see it as a big thing. I certainly don’t see myself as aggressive in this situation. I think it’s very irresponsible to put that label on it.
“The argument we had was that before the match, if both teams agreed to play a multi-ball system, the Conti Cup final would be played with a multi-ball system. Arsenal wanted the game to be played with a multi-ball system.
“Chelsea wanted it to be played with a one-ball system. The final was therefore played with a single ball system. This incident, the ball is kicked and Chelsea want to play with a new ball for a quick throw-in.
“I said, ‘You want to play with one ball, now you have to get that ball.’ Of course, Erin isn’t happy about that. I didn’t say anything more in this situation. If you decide to play with one ball, we play with one ball.
“I like playing with a multi-ball system, when the game is fast but they didn’t want to do it and you can’t do it when it suits you.
“There is definitely a way you behave in the technical area, I also think there is a way you behave after the match. Be a good winner, but you also have to be a good loser. You must be responsible in both situations.
“I’m actually happy with the way I performed and other people need to look in the mirror and see if they’re happy with themselves.”
(Marc Atkins/Getty Images)