Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City was full of drama from the first whistle to the last.
While Tobin Heath’s stoppage-time equaliser understandably stole the headlines, there was also plenty of controversy surrounding Khadija Shaw’s opener after the ball deflected off the referee in the build-up.
“It was one of the best passes of the game!” Eidevall joked during his post-match press conference. “At the end of the day we all make mistakes, I make them, referees make them, players make mistakes.
“Afterwards I totally understand that, it’s a part of football. But I think the referees also need to understand why we get very upset in the moment. The referees should be professional and should be given all the resources that they need to prepare and practice and work on fitness and that’s where we need to focus. Let’s raise the standard around refereeing and give them the help they need.
“I tried being a referee when I was younger and I was not a good referee, even if I think I am on the sidelines. I remember experiencing coaches who, even after the game, didn’t speak nicely to me and that is not a nice feeling and that’s not the sort of role model I want to be. Everyone will make mistakes and the only thing I am always going to be an advocate for is the fix around it and giving them the best possible conditions.”
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