England boss Sarina Wiegman makes feelings clear after Emma Hayes clashed with Arsenal rival

England boss Sarina Wiegman makes feelings clear after Emma Hayes clashed with Arsenal rival

WATCH NOW: GB News' sports roundup as Sarina Wiegman discusses Emma Hayes incident

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 04/04/2024

- 17:49

Jonas Eidevall was pushed by the Chelsea women's manager last weekend

England women's manager Sarina Wiegman insists she has a duty to set an example on the touchline following the altercation between Emma Hayes and Jonas Eidevall.

Chelsea boss Hayes pushed Arsenal manager Eidevall following the Gunners' 1-0 Continental Cup win at Molineux last Sunday.


Hayes has faced criticism after she was clearly angry at the Swede in the immediate aftermath of the match, which was won by a solitary Stina Blackstenius goal in extra time.

The Blues boss doubled down on her reaction in her post-match press conference, saying she was not happy with the 'male aggression' shown by Eidevall.

Sarina Wiegman, Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes

Sarina Wiegman says managers have a responsibility to behave following Emma Hayes' altercation

Sky Sports/Getty

Hayes will face no action from the FA for the shove despite Eidevall describing her reaction as 'irresponsible'.

Wiegman was asked about the incident for the first time on Thursday ahead of the Lionesses' Euro qualifier against Sweden on Friday.

She didn't want to comment directly on what happened between the two Women's Super League bosses.

However, the 54-year-old says it is important for managers to maintain 'good behaviour' because all eyes are on them.

Wiegman said: "In general, not just this specific situation, we are an example as coaches.

"We are all aware of everyone who is watching and also in society when you are being watched a lot it is good to have good behaviour.

"Of course, it was a great final. It was very competitive so emotions go up.

"I wasn’t there. I’m not in that situation so I really don’t want to comment on that."

Hayes was disappointed at how Eidevall conducted himself during the final on Sunday and said his behaviour was 'unacceptable'.

She said: "Listen, I think there’s a way to conduct yourself on the touchline, I really do. I think it’s absolutely essential that we role model in the right way.

"I’m not down for male aggression on the touchline, I’m really not, and fronting up to players, for me, that’s unacceptable.

"I’m disappointed and I told Jonas that. I don’t think it’s OK to behave like that. He got a yellow card, and he should have probably been sent off.

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Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes

Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes clashed after Arsenal beat Chelsea women

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"I’m all for competing to win, I’ve never been booked in 12 years, my time here, I totally accept he’s a winner and wants to win but his behaviour on the touchline wasn’t acceptable.”

But Eidevall was not happy with the wording of Hayes' complaint.

He responded: "I think that's a very irresponsible way of labelling the behaviour that I have.

"I don't feel comfortable with that label, I don't think it's the truth to do that, so I think it's very irresponsible to do that."

Sarina Wiegman

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Meanwhile, captain Leah Williamson is in line to make her first Lionesses appearance in a year after recovering from a serious knee injury.

Wiegman said: "She had a full training session yesterday and will be on the pitch today.

"That is really good. She is still building but she is in a good place and is ready, if she comes through today.

"It’s just really good that she’s back. First of all for herself because she is so excited to come back and she’s fit."

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