(DDM) – Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has warned that deliberate time-wasting by goalkeepers could damage the growing appeal of the Women’s Super League.
The Arsenal coach raised the concern after her side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
The encounter was a closely watched WSL fixture that attracted significant fan interest both inside the stadium and on television.
The match took a controversial turn when Manchester United were reduced to 10 players for nearly 30 minutes.
United full-back Jayde Riviere was sent off, giving Arsenal a numerical advantage late in the contest.
Despite the red card, Arsenal were unable to find a breakthrough goal.
Slegers pointed to repeated stoppages as a major factor behind her team’s inability to maintain attacking momentum.
The most notable incident involved United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
Following Riviere’s dismissal, Tullis-Joyce went to the ground and requested medical attention.
The stoppage allowed Manchester United players to gather near the touchline.
During that break, United’s coaching staff were able to pass on tactical instructions.
The delay lasted several minutes and disrupted the flow of the match.
Arsenal supporters inside the Emirates Stadium reacted angrily to the incident.
Fans cheered loudly when the referee later booked Tullis-Joyce for what was perceived as time-wasting.
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner defended his goalkeeper after the match.
Skinner insisted that Tullis-Joyce had a genuine issue that required medical assessment.
He said doctors were called on because there was something physically wrong.
However, Skinner admitted he could understand why some observers viewed the situation cynically.
The United boss acknowledged that the incident fell into a grey area of gamesmanship.
Skinner was asked whether football authorities should introduce stricter rules to curb time-wasting.
He suggested referees are already trying to manage the issue within existing regulations.
Skinner referenced rules that force injured outfield players to leave the pitch temporarily.
He noted that such rules already create disadvantages for teams suffering accidental injuries.
Despite that, Skinner said he would be open to exploring new measures.
He explained that Manchester United themselves regularly face similar tactics from opponents.
From Arsenal’s perspective, the stoppages were deeply frustrating.
Slegers said her team dominated large spells of the match.
She admitted Arsenal were wasteful in front of goal.
However, she stressed that the frequent interruptions affected her players’ rhythm.
Slegers argued that such delays make the game less enjoyable to watch.
She framed the issue within the wider growth of women’s football.
The Arsenal manager highlighted the increasing investment in the WSL.
She pointed to fans who pay to attend matches in stadiums.
She also referenced the growing television audience following the league.
According to Slegers, the sport must protect its entertainment value.
She warned that excessive time-wasting lowers the quality of the product.
Slegers said she had not yet settled on a specific solution.
She expressed hope that football administrators were already considering reforms.
One proposal gaining attention is limiting who can approach coaches during stoppages.
The suggestion would allow only team captains to leave the pitch for discussions.
The idea aims to prevent full squads from huddling around technical areas.
When asked about the proposal, Slegers said she was aware of it.
She described it as one possible example of reform.
However, she cautioned that teams will always seek competitive edges.
Slegers said players and coaches constantly look for ways to stretch the rules.
She emphasized that high stakes naturally encourage such behavior.
The incident has reignited debate about fairness and sportsmanship in the WSL.
As the league continues to grow, pressure is mounting to address grey areas in officiating.
For Slegers, protecting the integrity and attractiveness of women’s football is now urgent.
She concluded that without action, fan trust and enjoyment could suffer long-term consequences.