Aston Villa coach Unai Emery was baffled by the referee’s decision not to issue a red card to Elliot Anderson for a very dangerous tackle on Ollie Watkins.
Emery strongly criticized the VAR decisions during the Europa League first leg match against Nottingham Forest (lost 1-0), particularly regarding Elliot Anderson’s tackle. Anderson made a sliding tackle on Ollie Watkins, winning the ball but making contact with the English striker’s ankle with his studs. The VAR briefly reviewed the incident before confirming the move.
“It’s an obvious red card. I don’t understand why the VAR didn’t involve the referee, it’s so clear,” Emery said after Thursday’s match, won 1-0 by Forest thanks to a penalty from Chris Wood in the 71st minute. “It’s very important. It’s a huge mistake. The VAR is responsible. The referee…fantastic, fantastic work, 10/10. I appreciated his management of the match for 90 minutes. But on reviewing the images, wow! Huge! He could have broken his ankle. Wow, the VAR, where are you? Please! It’s your responsibility, we are professionals.”
“You are doing a very bad job, because it was obvious to everyone. He could have broken his ankle.” Despite the severity of the tackle, Watkins played the full 90 minutes, a valuable asset for Villa’s hopes in the Champions League next year as the season nears its end. Watkins is Villa’s top scorer this season, with 15 goals in all competitions. The club, currently fifth in the Premier League, faces Tottenham, threatened with relegation, on Sunday.
