Aston Villa boss Unai Emery criticises a “not fair” VAR decision that ruled out a goal in a damaging 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Brentford.
ASTON Villa manager Unai Emery blasted a “not fair” VAR intervention after his side’s Premier League title hopes were dented by a 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Brentford.
Tammy Abraham thought he had scored a debut goal on his return to Villa early in the second half to level the match.
A lengthy VAR check subsequently ruled the goal out, determining the ball had gone out of play much earlier in the attacking move.
Brentford had taken the lead just after Kevin Schade was sent off for kicking out at Matty Cash, with Dango Ouattara blasting in from a narrow angle.
Villa could not break down the 10 men for the remainder of the game despite their numerical advantage.
“Of course, I accept it. But for me it is not fair,” said Emery of the disallowed goal.
“My explanation is it is one action after a long time. If the assistant referee did not see it, we must continue playing.”
The Villa boss added that the VAR should not have intervened in that specific situation.
Defeat leaves Villa seven points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
It also increases the pressure in the battle for Champions League qualification, with Villa now just seven points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool.
A top-five finish is likely to be enough to secure a place in next season’s Champions League
