'I let myself down' - Chelsea boss Emma Hayes admits regret over labelling inter-player relationships 'inappropriate' after Jess Carter social media response

The Blues head coach received a backlash after calling both player-coach and player-to-player relationships 'inappropriate', with several stars of the women's game in relationships with other players - including Chelsea's Jess Carter. The defender had shown her displeasure with her manager's comments by liking a number of tweets on social media that countered Hayes' argument.

Speaking after the 3-1 win against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Friday, Hayes admitted she regretted her comments, although stopped short of taking them back.

"I let myself down yesterday," she said. "I didn't think it was right for me to use the term 'inappropriate' for the players. I don't take those things back but I have zero criticism of any player in my dressing room for anything. Their professionalism, for what they've given to the club regardless of their status, regardless of who they're in a relationship with.

"I've been unbelievably supportive of all of the players. I've been a champion for equality and for equity. As I keep saying to our players all the time, even if we have disagreements in life, we mustn't play them out publicly."

The discussion arose after Leicester City Women launched an investigation over an alleged player-coach relationship involving manager Willie Kirk.

During a press conference ahead of the clash against Arsenal, Hayes labelled player-coach and player-player relationships 'inappropriate' within the professional game. Carter, who is in a relationship with team-mate Ann-Katrin Berger, then responded to by liking social media posts which questioned Hayes' comments on the situation.

After putting the public fallout to rest, Chelsea will now look to continue their push for Women's Super League glory. The Blues currently sit top of the table on 40 points and will look ahead to their next clash against West Ham United on Sunday, March 24. Before that, though, they will have to navigate a tough Champions League quarter-final first leg test against Ajax on Tuesday.