Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has accused VAR of making a “big mistake” by failing to recommend a red card to Elliot Anderson during his side’s 1-0 Europa League semi-final first leg loss to Nottingham Forest.
After 31 minutes at the City Ground, Forest midfielder Anderson slipped in to beat Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but in doing so caught the forward’s ankle while the stud was up and causing him significant pain.
Referee Joao Pinheiro did not punish Anderson on the spot and, after a very brief review, VAR Tiago Martins upheld that decision.
It was a decision Emery did not agree with, and he made it clear after the game.
“The referee was fantastic but the VAR was so bad.” TNT Sports.
“It’s a clear red card. I just saw it. It’s so clear that I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call the referee.
“I think this is a huge mistake. VAR is to blame.”
“The referee was fantastic, 10/10. He did a fantastic job and many thanks to the way he managed the game for 90 minutes.
“You could break your ankle. Wow. VAR, where are you? Please, it’s your responsibility.
“You are a professional, but you are doing a very poor job, as it was so obvious to everyone.”
