Aston Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, has voiced his displeasure with VAR after a controversial challenge on Ollie Watkins went unpunished during the Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest.
The incident occurred when Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson made a robust tackle on Watkins, winning the ball but following through on the striker's ankle. Forest went on to win the match 1-0, courtesy of a second-half penalty from Chris Wood, leaving Villa with a deficit to overturn in the return leg at Villa Park.
Speaking on social media, Vidagany echoed manager Unai Emery's criticism of VAR. Emery had earlier described the tackle as potentially ankle-breaking and called the VAR decision not to intervene a "mistake."
"We need to win to go to the final. At Villa Park will be our time. Match of our lives. This is not over," Vidagany posted on X. "And one important question: If VAR came to help football and bring justice…. If VAR called the referee for the penalty why they didn't check at least the red card for Anderson?"
He added: "Huge mistake of VAR referee tonight, it did not help the field ref. I am sure UEFA refereeing people would be agree with us in this unfair situation. Now, time for Villa Park. Let's do this."
The result leaves Aston Villa needing a win in the second leg to advance to the final. The team will look to rally at home, with Vidagany calling the upcoming match the "match of our lives."
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