Pride Park pitch was not fit for Women s League Cup final Chelsea coach Bompastor says

Chelsea Womens head coach Sonia Bompastor criticised Pride Parks pitch quality after her side beat Manchester City 2-1 to win the Womens League Cup, suggesting such standards might not be accepted in the mens game.

Bompastor, who was handed her first silverware with the team at Championship side Derby Countys 32,944 capacity home stadium on Saturday, noted that the pitch was substandard for a final, a view shared by Citys interim boss Nick Cushing.

It is a shame to have this pitch for a final, especially when you expect in England to have the best groundsmen and pitches in the world, the 44-year-old told a reporter after the game.

Im not sure if it was a mens final game it would be the same. We just need to make sure we have the best facilities and grass to play the games.

Cushing said, I obviously would like the pitch to be a little bit better. It is what it is. Im sure the pitch will be better at the Joie Stadium (City womens home).

Former England player and commentator Fara Williams told the BBC the pitch was cut up and bobbly.

Unlike the mens League Cup final, which is held at Wembley every year, the womens final is played at different venues, with last years taking place at Wolverhampton Wanderers Molineux.

Holders Liverpool play Newcastle United at Wembley in the mens League Cup final later on Sunday. REUTERS

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