Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest controversy explained as Unai Emery rages after Europa League defeat

Jack Otway
Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:51 +0000

Unai Emery launched a scathing attack on VAR officials after Aston Villa suffered a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-final first leg.

The Spanish manager delivered two passionate outbursts following the match, directing his anger squarely at the video assistant referee for failing to dismiss Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.

During the opening half, Anderson executed a sliding challenge that won the ball but subsequently caught Ollie Watkins with raised studs on the ankle.

Match official Joao Pinheiro took no action at the time, and what appeared to be only a cursory VAR check followed before play continued.

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Emery was left incensed by the decision not to show a red card.

Speaking to TNT Sports immediately after the final whistle, Emery was effusive in his praise for the on-field referee whilst simultaneously lambasting the video technology.

"Fantastic, the referee, fantastic," Emery said. "But the VAR is so, so bad. It's a clear red card - I don't understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it's so clear."

The Villa boss awarded Pinheiro full marks for his performance, stating the Portuguese official deserved "10 out of 10" for how he controlled proceedings across the 90 minutes.

However, having reviewed the footage, Emery was adamant the tackle warranted dismissal.

"He could break his ankle. Wow, VAR - where are you? Please. It is your responsibility, we are professionals. You are doing very bad work because it was so clear for everybody [to see]," he added.

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Emery's frustration showed no signs of abating when he addressed the written press in his post-match conference.

The Spaniard reiterated his satisfaction with Pinheiro's handling of the contest but insisted the video officials bore full responsibility for what he termed a massive error.

"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!" Emery declared.

Drawing on his two decades of managerial experience, he emphasised that while marginal calls are part of football, this incident left no room for interpretation.

"One action like that, there is no doubt. Where is VAR?" he questioned.

Forest secured their victory through a penalty converted by Chris Wood, a decision that was itself awarded following VAR intervention.

The spot-kick was given against Lucas Digne for handball after Omari Hutchinson's cross struck the defender's arm.

Initially, officials appeared to have ruled the ball had crossed the byline for a goal-kick before Hutchinson retrieved it, but video replays confirmed the Forest winger had kept it in play.

Notably, Emery raised no objection to this particular use of the technology.

"The penalty I didn't watch - everyone is telling me it's a penalty," he acknowledged.

Villa won't have too long to reflect on their defeat, with Emery's men due to face Tottenham on Sunday.

As for Forest, they'll be aiming to continue their recent resurgence when they do battle with Chelsea on Monday.