'A bit distasteful' - Arsenal star Katie McCabe hits out at refereeing standards in women's football and calls for 'more support' to deal with 'high-pressure' moments

McCabe has hit out at refereeing standards in the game, revealing she has been left disappointed by officials being influenced by her perceived personality and hard-hitting style of play. While developing a reputation as a full-blooded and passionate player during her time with the Gunners, the 29-year-old has been sent off just twice in 10 years.

Speaking in a recent interview, Republic of Ireland international McCabe revealed she has been taken aback by comments made to her by referees before matches have even started and highlighted that such conduct would not be allowed if the roles were reversed. She also called for referees to receive more support to deal with high-pressure situations.

McCabe told The Telegraph: "I'm not sure how outspoken I can be about this without receiving some sort of fine. It has happened to me before, where I've had officials say certain comments to me, indicating for me to behave before I’ve even stepped foot on the pitch.

"It can rub people up the wrong way. You think you’re in a calm moment and you're going into a massive game and something you've prepared all week before, to then be stunned by comments like that from officials.

"It just wouldn't be a nice look if it's the other way around, where players are saying to the referee before the game: 'You're going to make the right call today? You're going to get the bookings?' It just doesn't happen. So I just found it a bit distasteful, really."

Asked if women players are disproportionately punished for dissent compared to their male counterparts, she added: "I think it depends on who you are. If you do show too much emotion, then I think you're made an example of, which is frustrating because we work all season, all week, to perform, perform for the fans, perform for people watching at home, perform for ourselves and the club.

"You're in a high-pressure performance sport, you're going to show emotion at times. All the great athletes in the world in all different sports have shown some level of frustration. But I think depending on who you are, that can be a good thing or it's a bad thing. It's either used against you or it's not."

McCabe has featured in 17 Women's Super League matches so far this season, scoring once and supplying four assists. She has also helped the north Londoners to the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face Lyon after they stunned Real Madrid with a 3-2 aggregate victory, having lost the first leg 2-0.

Having ousted Madrid, Arsenal now face record Women's Champions League winners Lyon, with the first leg taking place on Saturday. They are second in the WSL, having won their last seven matches in the division.