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Wolves 2-1 Manchester City: Blues' winning streak stopped at Molineux
Arsenal hero Ian Wright has led the complaints after Manchester City Women's star Alex Greenwood was controversially sent off against Chelsea, after she was given a second yellow card for time-wasting. The defender had already been booked for an early foul, but was adjudged to have taken an excessive amount of time over a free-kick shortly before half-time and was given her marching orders.
City had taken an early lead through Chloe Kelly who fired home from distance inside the opening 10 minutes, but the hosts' jubilation soon turned to despair as Greenwood was shown a second yellow - this time as she prepared to take a free-kick inside her own half.
Greenwood was perplexed by the decision as she questioned the referee's call with her similarly surprised team-mates. And reaction on social media followed a similar pattern.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Wright said: "Embarrassing. They keep telling us about laws of the game but where is common sense! Why would she be wasting time??? Kmt."
Alex Greenwood was shown a red card after perceived time-wasting. (Image: Getty)
Greenwood's England team-mate Beth Mead, who plays for rivals Arsenal, echoed Wright's sentiments as she posted: "Awful decision, never time wasting."
While ITV commentator and former Liverpool goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis said: “It’s not a black and white decision and I think the official has got that wrong.”
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Greenwood's team-mates continued to question referee Emily Heaslip for the puzzling decision, even though officials have been ordered to clamp down on time-wasting with more severity this season.
Laia Aleixandri was shown a yellow card for dissent as she protested Greenwood's second booking, while new signing Jill Roord similarly was booked and had to be ushered away from the referee by Kelly.
The referee was then booed by the Joie Stadium as fans vented their frustration, before City then went down to nine players after Lauren Hemp was shown a second yellow card for a foul on fellow Lioness Lauren James.