MY ACCOUNT
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes demanded more protection for players after Sam Kerr sensationally knocked over a pitch invader during the midweek Women’s Champions League clash against Juventus.
After winning the FA Cup at Wembley on Sunday, high-flying Chelsea played out a goalless draw with Juventus at Kingsmeadow in London on Wednesday.
The result, which left Chelsea waiting until the final group game to secure a place in the Champions League knockout stage, was overshadowed by a pitch invader during the closing stages of the match.
An individual entered the field to take selfies, prompting Chelsea and Australia star Kerr – who scored twice in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal – to barge over the pitch invader with her shoulder, leading to a yellow card.
“I don’t know why he didn’t just wait until the end. He could have had a photograph if he really wanted one,” Hayes said.
“Jokes aside, you do have to think about player safety.
“We’ve seen in the growth of the game there is a sense that the players are more in demand. I think it should serve as a reminder to our stadiums and our stewards that we have to put player protection first.”
It capped a frustrating night for Chelsea, who were unable to breach Italian visitors Juventus.
Chelsea are top of Group A after five matchdays, three points clear of Juve and Wolfsburg.
Hayes’ Chelsea visit Wolfsburg at AOK Stadion on December 16, looking to clinch their quarter-final berth.
