The fact that not all Women’s Champions League games use the same technology, according to Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, is “a concern for the league.”
Despite strong demands for a penalty in either half, Arsenal lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Tuesday.
In the final eight, the video assistant referee (VAR) is implemented, while goalline technology is optional.
“We have to accept it,” Eidevall remarked.
“Only in the quarter-finals is VAR used. I’m not sure if the officials have ever utilised it before. You can use goalline technology, but it is not required. It was not on Tuesday because Bayern elected not to pay for it.
“Arsenal will do so next week because we believe it is the correct thing to do to ensure a fair competition. Yet, I believe that the fact that not every game has the same level of technology is an issue for the competition.
“Goalline technology is simple for me. Everyone will benefit from knowing whether or not the ball is in play. The angles make it difficult for the referee to see, and we know it’s accurate. That degree of detail and accuracy in choices is what the athletes deserve.”
Eidevall’s annoyances in Germany included a claim for handball after Caitlin Foord’s shot was blocked in the first half and a probable tug on Rafaelle Souza’s jersey in the second half.
The referee dismissed the first protest, and a brief VAR assessment later determined there was no foul on Souza.
“A part of me feels proud since the performance coming here to the Allianz Arena was incredibly impressive,” Eidevall continued.
“Part of me is dissatisfied with the outcome and the fact that we were unable to take our chances. Part of me is upset because the VAR clearly wasn’t operating tonight, as there were two clear and blatant penalty situations, which I find unacceptable.”
