Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has demanded an explanation from the video assistant referee after a dangerous tackle by Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson on striker Ollie Watkins went unpunished during their Europa League first-leg clash. Emery claimed Watkins was fortunate to avoid a broken ankle following the incident in the 1-0 defeat at the City Ground.
Emery Calls VAR Decision 'Crazy'
Speaking after the match, Emery expressed his anger at the VAR, Portuguese official Tiago Martins, for failing to alert referee João Pinheiro to Anderson's first-half challenge. The tackle caught Watkins on the ankle, but play was allowed to continue without any intervention. Emery admitted he only realized the severity of the tackle after reviewing footage post-match.
"It is a huge mistake, a huge mistake, because Ollie Watkins was close to breaking his ankle," said Emery. "It is the VAR's responsibility and he must give us an explanation about it because it's crazy watching this action. Of course, the referee can't watch it like me. I watched the action of Anderson with Watkins … one action like that can break his ankle."
Emery, who has been a coach for 20 years, emphasized his support for VAR but insisted it must be used correctly. "I am 100% with VAR but we must manage VAR good and in the right way. One action like that doesn't make sense. It is so, so clear. Where is the doubt? The risk is to the players. Where is VAR?" he said, looking around the room. "Wow, crazy."
Forest Win Despite Controversy
Nottingham Forest secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a 71st-minute penalty from Chris Wood. The spot-kick was awarded after a VAR review determined the ball was in play when Lucas Digne handled Omari Hutchinson's cross inside the box. Villa were left incensed by the decision, but Emery reserved his strongest criticism for the earlier incident.
When asked if he had spoken to Digne about the penalty, Emery replied: "Not yet … and of course tomorrow we will meet and speak about everything we felt today, maybe as well [I will talk] with him. Lucas is a fantastic professional, a fantastic guy. His commitment here, working always 100% is really fantastic. Sure, if he did one action like that, OK, it's part of football."
Pereira Praises Forest Spirit
Forest manager Vítor Pereira praised his team's character and vowed an attacking approach in the second leg at Villa Park next Thursday. "We are at half-time," he said. "We know that when we play again we will face another tough game. One thing I am sure: we will go there to compete again, not to defend but to win the game. This is the spirit of this team, a special team and it is a privilege to be the manager because they have the character, personality and quality. To have four managers in a season is not easy."
