VAR was suggested by Unai Emery following Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United.
On Friday night, following Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, Unai Emery made an unusual jab at the referees. The Spaniard has given what he believes to be an essential proposal regarding how Leon Bailey’s disallowed goal should have been refereed, but he still accepts and supports the use of VAR.
If Villa had prevailed, they would have topped the Premier League standings, but they were thwarted by two contentious refereeing decisions in addition to Sheffield United’s formidable defense. Bailey’s goal in the 60th minute was disallowed for a foul committed during the build-up, and Ollie Watkins was denied a penalty in the first half despite a clear push by Vini Souza.
Not only did the alleged foul appear to be a soft one, with Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham receiving a limp arm from Jacob Ramsey, but it also happened during the action that preceded the goal. A few seconds later, Watkins reclaimed control and played a one-two with Bailey before crossing low. That was not substantially affected by the foul.
After the game, Emery remarked, “I always accept the VAR, even though it wasn’t the right decision.” “VAR was excessive today, in my opinion, and it was a second action for the goal. After we got the ball back, we scored. Reviewing this was not required,” Emery said in a tone that was both unusually calm and little irritated.
The head coach made no note of Watkins’ penalty shout, but it was evident what he thought about the goal that was chalked off. Emery believes that referees won’t examine plays that are so far behind in the progression of goals for too long. In this instance, it might have prevented his team from leading the Premier League at Christmas.
