Emery Erupts at VAR for Overlooking Anderson's 'Ankle-Breaker' Tackle
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has demanded answers from VAR officials after his side lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-final first leg at the City Ground. The furious manager highlighted a reckless challenge by Forest’s Elliot Anderson, whose studs caught striker Ollie Watkins on the ankle. Despite clear replays, VAR official Tiago Martins did not recommend a pitch-side review and Anderson escaped punishment. Emery praised referee João Pinheiro’s on-field performance but saved his ire for VAR. “Fantastic referee, but the VAR is so, so bad,” he told TNT Sports. “It’s a clear red card – I don’t understand why VAR didn’t call the referee. He could break his ankle.” The Villa boss insists VAR must explain the “huge, huge mistake” and warns that such decisions could decide the tie’s outcome.
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