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Dean Saunders has defended Emma Hayes’ anger towards Jonas Eidevall, although he admitted the Chelsea manager was unwise in pushing his rival after a heated defeat in the Continental League Cup final.
Hayes and Eidevall clashed after Arsenal won at Molineux on Sunday, with Stina Blackstenius scoring the winner in the 116th minute as the Gunners defended their title.
Eidevall had been involved in a confrontation with Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert in extra time over a disagreement over a throw-in.
Cuthbert had attempted to use a new ball, but Eidevall had pointed out that the game was not being played on a multi-ball system, which meant they had to pick up the original ball that had come out of play.
Hayes has been criticized for her actions, but Saunders defended herself, insisting that a coach is justified in becoming enraged by acts of aggression towards his players and staff.
Emma Hayes appeared to push Jonas Eidevall after Arsenal’s Conti Cup victory over Chelsea.
Dean Saunders claimed to understand why Hayes was so outraged after heated cup final
Hayes and Eidevall offered differing opinions on his conduct in post-match interviews.
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“I have stopped in the technical area”, Saunders started at talkSPORT. ‘And there’s nothing wrong with being aggressive, but what’s the limit?
“If I’m standing in the technical area and the opposing coach tries to attack the referee and the fourth official, and then tries to attack the referee again, that’s fine.
“But if you say something to one of my players then I’m involved.” If you start criticizing them or my staff or me, then you’ve gone too far.
‘You’re allowed to have a moment, that’s how we let off steam. The fourth official might as well have a punching bag held high. That is the worst job ever done in the history of football.
“It’s stressful, frustrating and the stakes are high.”
In the days that followed, some claimed that the reaction would have been stronger if he had acted the same way toward Hayes.
There have also been comparisons to the infamous clash between former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and then-Tottenham manager Antonio Conte in the Premier League.
Tuchel received a one-match touchline ban and a fine from the FA for the incident in 2022.
Hayes has also faced criticism for using the words “masculine aggression” to describe Eidevall’s behavior on the touchline.
Chelsea manager criticized Eidevall after clash with Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert over match balls
Despite his support for Hayes’ fury, Saunders admitted the outgoing Chelsea manager was wrong to push the Arsenal boss.
“(Eidevall) has crossed the line if he is attacking one of the opposing players and Emma has probably crossed the line by pushing him after the game.” He added.
‘It’s football. We are in a world where you can’t say anything, you can’t do anything, but that’s just football.
‘One is lost, she is furious and he is gloating and it just happens. After the game, they go back to the locker room, walk up to each other and say “I’m sorry” and just laugh.
