Arsenal assistant coach Aaron D’Antino handled the post-match press conference and said that Williamson was supposed to take the goal-kick, adding that the team would learn from what happened.
“Looking at the elements within our control, we could have simply played the ball to Leah. From what I saw, it was still moving as she [Rodriguez] guided it towards Leah, who was preparing to take the goal-kick as she usually does,” D’Antino said.
“The lesson may be to find a safer way of getting the ball to Leah so that we avoid creating that kind of situation.”
Former Arsenal and Scotland defender Jen Beattie believed referee Iuliana Demetrescu made the wrong call, even though the laws were applied correctly.
“I honestly cannot understand how that decision was reached. Leah knows it is a goal-kick and simply picks up the ball. The referee’s call was astonishing,” Beattie told Paramount+.
“I would have been furious and embarrassed if that had been awarded. There was clearly no attempt to gain an advantage, so it is incredibly frustrating that the match was levelled in that manner.
“Leah picks up the ball because she intends to take the goal-kick, not because she feels pressured, wants to alter the play or is panicking. She remains composed in those situations and understands exactly what she is doing. The goalkeeper is equally aware of what is happening.
“The referee interpreted the incident incorrectly.”
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