Unai Emery fumes over ‘crazy’ decision as Elliot Anderson escapes red card: ‘Where is VAR?’

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has lambasted the decision not to send off Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, labelling the VAR’s inaction as "crazy" following his side’s 1-0 defeat in the Europa League semi-final first leg. Forest secured a crucial advantage at the City Ground, with Chris Wood’s second-half penalty proving decisive. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR intervened to confirm the ball had not gone out of play before Lucas Digne handled inside the box.

However, Emery was left incensed by a separate incident in the first half involving Anderson’s challenge on Ollie Watkins. The tackle appeared to catch the England international’s ankle with studs, yet went unpunished by the referee and VAR did not recommend an on-field review. "I watched the action of Anderson on Watkins, and the referee did a fantastic job," Emery stated.

"I was so, so feeling comfortable with how he managed the game in 90 minutes, but after watching it again, it is the VAR responsibility. Emery could not believe that Anderson was not sent off (PA) “It is a huge mistake, a huge mistake. Ollie Watkins was close to breaking his ankle.

The VAR has a huge responsibility and he must give us an explanation. It is crazy. " The Villa boss continued to express his frustration with the technology.