Ian Wright slams 'disgraceful' Chelsea decision vs Barcelona after controversial red card

Ian Wright has described the decision from referee Iuliana Demetrescu to send off Kadeisha Buchanan as a 'disgrace' after the Chelsea Women's defender received a second yellow card in the Champions League semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge. Playing in front of a packed out crowd, the Blues were dealt an enormous blow in their attempts to reach a second-ever final.

Buchanan, who was booked shortly after half-time, picked up another card less than ten minutes later. Replays showed that the French defender appeared to get a big touch on the ball before colliding with her opponent.

Wright, watching on, took to Twitter/X to voice his views on the call. "Buchanan sending off is a disgraceful decision", he wrote simply. Chelsea were already 1-0 down on the night after Aitana Bonmati levelled the tie with a deflected strike after 25 minutes.

READ MORE: Emma Hayes insists Chelsea must be 'perfect' to realise Champions League dream

READ MORE: Chelsea must avoid repeating Champions League history as Barcelona threat clear

Emma Hayes' side entered the game seeking to stun Barcelona, who are widely regarded as the best team in the world. Prior to the first leg the Spanish side had gone unbeaten in five years at home.

The Blues were unable to carry their momentum in the second leg, though, and largely failed to assert themselves before going a player and goal down. Fridolina Rolfo's penalty - described and commentary as being another wrong decision - then gave the visitors an outright advantage.