Emma Hayes brands officiating 'embarrassing' as Chelsea controversially draw 2-2 with Real Madrid in Champions League

A fuming Emma Hayes described the officiating as "embarrassing" after claiming Chelsea were "robbed" of a victory by the officials in their UEFA Champions League 2-2 draw with Real Madrid.

Defender Niamh Charles had a goal bizarrely ruled out for offside in the dying moments of the game, as The Blues were forced to settle for a point at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

It would have been the perfect start to the group stage for the visitors, who have won the domestic double for the last two years, but are targeting European glory for the first time.

"It's embarrassing," blasted the Chelsea boss. "I had to check why it was disallowed.

"Was it Niamh? No. Was it Sam [Kerr] interfering with the goalkeeper? She was about seven yards away, no where near the 'keeper. I cannot understand the decision whatsoever.

"I think we've been robbed of what was a 3-1 game.

"I thought we controlled the game after the first goal. I thought we dominated the game.

"We went 2-1 up, then there is the free kick that was awarded as a penalty. Then we score a really legitimate goal with Niamh Charles three or four yards onside."

The disallowed goal was not the only debatable decision on a controversial night in Spain.

Olga Carmona had earlier put the hosts ahead, only for strikes from Charles and Kerr to fire the visitors 2-1 up deep into the second half.

That lead would only last four minutes though, as Athenea del Castillo won a penalty for Real, although the initial contact from as Jessie Fleming's tackle appeared to come outside the penalty area.

With no VAR in use, the decision could not be overturned, and as such Carmona stepped up to double her tally for the evening as she equalised from the spot.

"I could see from the bench that the tackle was outside the box," Hayes added. "So I'm absolutely shocked that those managing the game couldn't see that.

"Of course maybe Jessie shouldn't lunge in that area, but it happens clearly outside the box.

"At this level when you are in control of a game and important decisions like that go against you, it makes it difficult."

The result means two teams opened their Champions League campaign with a point, whereas Swedish side Hacken top the group after they won 2-1 in France against Paris FC.

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