Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery expressed frustration with VAR following a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Thursday. The first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final at Villa Park saw Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson avoid a red card for a challenge on Leon Bailey. Emery stated the video assistant referee failed to intervene despite what he described as a clear dismissal. According to Sky Sports, the Spaniard questioned the consistency of the technology during the post-match press conference.
Forest took the lead through Chris Wood in the first half before Morgan Rogers equalised for the hosts. The result leaves the tie balanced ahead of the return leg at the City Ground next week. Per The Guardian, Emery told reporters that the decision to only award a yellow card was very bad for the game. Villa now prepare for a Premier League fixture against Brighton on Sunday. Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo defended his player, noting the intensity of the semi-final atmosphere.
