Katie McCabe responds after hair Pull Incident
Katie McCabe has addressed the late incident involving Alyssa Thompson after it became one of the biggest talking points in Arsenal’s Champions League win over Chelsea Women.
With Chelsea pushing for a late equaliser, McCabe reached out as Thompson broke forward, appearing to pull her hair. The incident was not punished on the pitch, and VAR did not intervene.
After the match, McCabe took to Instagram to explain her actions:
“I just want to clarify that I was genuinely reaching for the shirt. I wouldn’t ever want to pull someone’s hair. Full respect to Thompson.”
The moment quickly drew strong reactions, especially from Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor, who was furious with the decision not to review the incident.
“For me, it is clearly a red card for the Arsenal player. She’s pulling Alyssa Thompson’s hair,” she said.
“If the VAR is not able to check that situation, I don’t know why we have the VAR.”
Bompastor’s frustration continued on the touchline, where she was first booked and then sent off as she protested.
“I’m the one getting a red card when I think the Arsenal player should be the one getting a red card.”
She later revealed the impact on her player:
“She’s crying and emotional… when you are playing football and someone pulls your hair, it’s bad.”
From Arsenal’s side, manager Renee Slegers suggested there was no intent behind the incident.
“My assumption is it’s not intentional but it is of course unlucky.”
The decision not to review the moment has continued to divide opinion, with former players also questioning the outcome.
“It is really, really cynical and it doesn’t look great,” said Steph Houghton.
Despite the controversy, Arsenal held on to progress, but the closing moments have left a lasting talking point.
