Aston Villa’s coach praises João Pinheiro’s refereeing, but slams the video assistant referee.
Aston Villa lost this Thursday at the City Ground against Vítor Pereira’s Nottingham Forest (0-1) , in the first leg of the Europa League semi=final, and, at the end of the game, coach Unai Emery accused video assistant referee Tiago Martins of having made a huge mistake by not alerting referee Joao Pinheiro to a play that, in his opinion, would have resulted in Elliot Anderson’s expulsion. The coach with the most Europa League titles was not at all happy with the Portuguese video assistant referee.
The Spanish coach highlighted an incident in the 31st minute where Anderson, attempting to reach the ball, ended up hitting Ollie Watkins’ ankle with his studs. Joao Pinheiro did not discipline the Forest player and, after a short conversation with Tiago Martins, decided to maintain his decision. The referee was fantastic, but the VAR was very bad. It’s a clear red card. I just reviewed the images. I don’t understand how the VAR didn’t call the referee because it’s more than obvious. I think it’s a huge mistake. The VAR is responsible, the coach said in statements to TNT Sports . A play that really bothered Emery, as he insisted on the matter. “The referee did a fantastic job and I liked how he managed the game throughout the 90 minutes. Now, in that play, he could have fractured his ankle. WOW. VAR, where are you? Please, it’s your responsibility. You’re a professional, but you’re doing a terrible job because it was obvious to everyone, he further emphasized.
