SOCCER: Villa coach Emery hits out at VAR after Europa League loss to Forest

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery strongly criticized the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) following his team’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League tie on Thursday.

Emery took issue with a first-half challenge by Elliot Anderson on Ollie Watkins, in which Anderson won the ball but appeared to catch Watkins on the ankle with his studs. The incident was reviewed by VAR but no red card was issued.

“I don’t understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it’s so clear,” Emery said after the match. “It’s a clear red card.”

Emery praised the match official’s on-field performance but insisted VAR made a “huge mistake,” adding that Watkins “could break his ankle” in the challenge. He continued his criticism, saying VAR officials were “very, very bad” in their decision-making during the incident.

Despite the tackle, Watkins completed the full 90 minutes, providing a positive update for Villa as they continue their push for European qualification. The striker remains the club’s top scorer this season with 15 goals in all competitions.

Nottingham Forest secured the win through a 71st-minute penalty from Chris Wood, giving them a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg.

Aston Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League standings, will return to domestic action on Sunday against relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur. -Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Christopher Cushing/Reuters