Aston Villa’s manager Unai Emery has openly condemned what he described as a "huge mistake" by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after midfielder Elliot Anderson escaped a red card in the first leg of the Europa League semi‑final, a match that saw Villa fall 1‑0 to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The incident occurred just after the half‑hour mark when Forest’s Anderson made a sliding challenge on Villa forward Ollie Watkins. In the process of trying to win the ball, Anderson’s studs were raised and made contact with Watkins’ ankle, causing the striker noticeable discomfort and raising immediate concerns about a potential serious injury.
In the eyes of many observers, the nature of the tackle was clear enough to warrant a straight red card for dangerous play. Referee João Pinheiro, however, chose not to issue any disciplinary action on the field. The decision was subsequently reviewed by VAR official Tiago Martins, who after a brief review upheld the referee’s original call and allowed the game to continue without sanction. Emery, who was visibly frustrated during the post‑match interview, expressed his disappointment in stark terms, stating that the VAR’s inaction was "so clear" and that the technology had failed in its duty to protect players.
"The referee was fantastic, but the VAR was so bad," Emery told TNT Sports. "It’s a clear red card.
I watched it just now. I don’t understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it’s so clear. I think it’s a huge mistake. VAR is responsible." Emery’s criticism went beyond the single decision.
He questioned the overall competence of the VAR operation, urging the officials to recognize the seriousness of the challenge: "He could break his ankle. Wow. VAR, where are you?
Please, it’s your responsibility. You are professional, but you are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody." In the press conference that followed, Emery reiterated his point, emphasizing that the VAR has a duty to intervene when a clear case of dangerous play arises. "It is a huge mistake, a huge mistake. The VAR has a huge responsibility, and he must give us an explanation.
It is crazy," he said. He added that while referees can miss incidents in real time, the purpose of VAR is precisely to correct such oversights, especially when a player’s safety is at stake. Beyond the controversy, Emery reflected on the broader context of the match. He noted that Villa had created several chances and were executing their game plan effectively, managing to disrupt Forest’s high press and defending well for large periods.
"We lost but we had our chances to score and we had momentum. We were stopping their high press and the match was going as we planned," he said.
He praised his own side’s defensive organization, acknowledging that the single goal conceded was the result of a momentary lapse rather than a systemic failure. Emery also stressed the importance of maintaining composure after going behind. "After their goal, the most important thing was not to lose our minds and keep our gameplan. Of course, they were excited and they were pushing and defending well, but they are good in transition as well," he explained.
He highlighted that Villa needed to stay disciplined and look for an equaliser, rather than over‑committing and risking further concessions. Looking ahead, the manager reminded everyone that the tie is not decided over 90 minutes.
"The match is not finishing in 95 minutes tonight. The match is continuing next week and we must try to come back with a result," he concluded, underlining the two‑leg nature of the semi‑final and the opportunity to overturn the deficit at Villa Park. The incident has reignited a broader debate within football about the consistency and transparency of VAR decisions. Critics argue that while VAR has the potential to correct clear errors, its application can sometimes appear arbitrary, leading to frustration among coaches, players, and fans alike.
Emery’s outspoken remarks echo a growing chorus of voices calling for clearer guidelines and faster, more decisive interventions when player safety is at risk. In the aftermath of the match, Sky Sports encouraged viewers to stay updated via their app and WhatsApp channel for the latest news, analysis, and exclusive content. The network also promoted a promotional Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool.
Overall, the episode serves as a reminder that while technology has become an integral part of modern football, its effectiveness ultimately depends on the willingness of officials to use it consistently and responsibly. For Emery and Aston Villa, the focus now shifts to preparing for the second leg, hoping to rectify the first‑leg loss and advance to the Europa League final.