Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has launched a furious attack on VAR after claiming that Elliott Anderson's tackle on Ollie Watkins could have broken the striker's ankle. The incident occurred during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, but the Video Assistant Referee did not advise on-field referee Joao Pinheiro to review the challenge.
Anderson, a Nottingham Forest midfielder, caught Watkins on the ankle following a robust challenge near the dugout. Watkins remained on the ground clutching his leg, while Forest manager Vitor Pereira urged him to get up as play continued. Emi Martinez made an extraordinary save moments later to deny Igor Jesus, but Forest eventually won the game through a Chris Wood penalty in the 71st minute.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Emery did not hold back his frustration. "I watched the action of Anderson on Watkins, and the referee did a fantastic job," Emery said. "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 emphasised the severity of the tackle: "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!"
He continued: "The ref can't watch it like me. One action like that can break his ankle. The VAR makes sense if they are fair. What is your opinion? Wow."
Emery, who has worked as a coach for 20 years, expressed his support for VAR in principle but demanded better application. "In football I work 20 years as a coach, sometimes decisions are tight. I am 100 per cent with VAR, but we must manage it good and in the right way. One action like that, there is no doubt. Where is VAR?"
The challenge and the subsequent lack of VAR intervention have sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many agreeing with Emery's assessment. The incident adds to ongoing discussions about the consistency and effectiveness of VAR in the Premier League.
