Key Takeaways
- Unai Emery accuses VAR officials of a “huge mistake” after a dangerous tackle on Ollie Watkins goes unpunished
- Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson avoids red card despite catching the striker with studs raised
- Aston Villa suffer 1-0 defeat but will attempt to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Villa Park
Unai Emery has launched a fierce attack on the Video Assistant Referee system. The Aston Villa manager claims VAR failed to protect his players during the Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest.
The controversy began after 31 minutes at the City Ground. Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson slid into a challenge on Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Anderson’s studs made contact with Watkins’ ankle, leaving the forward in agony on the pitch.
Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro allowed play to continue without showing a card. VAR official Tiago Martins conducted a brief check of the incident. He decided the challenge did not deserve a red card.
Emery expressed shock at this decision during his post-match interview with TNT Sports. “The referee was fantastic, but the VAR was so bad,” the Spaniard stated. “It is a clear red card. I watched the replay just now. I do not understand why VAR did not ask the referee to review the monitor.”
The Villa boss feared serious injury for his key attacker. “He could break his ankle. Wow. VAR, where are you? Please, it is your responsibility,” Emery said. “You are professionals, but you are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody.”
Speaking later at the press conference, Emery maintained his support for technology in football. However, he demanded better standards. “I am always 100 per cent with VAR,” he explained. “But we must manage it in the right way. One action like that does not make sense because it is so, so clear. Where is the doubt?”
Despite the 1-0 defeat, Emery remains hopeful about reaching the final. The second leg takes place at Villa Park next week. “The match is not finishing tonight,” he said. “We must try to come back with a result.”