Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery launched a scathing attack on VAR after a controversial incident cost his side in the Europa League semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest. With the score locked at 1-0 to Forest courtesy of a Chris Wood penalty, referee Joao Pinheiro and VAR official Tiago Martins failed to punish Elliot Anderson for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Ollie Watkins in the 31st minute.

Emery left no room for interpretation in his post-match comments, calling the VAR decision a "huge mistake" that let a potentially season-defining moment slide. "The referee was fantastic, but the VAR was so bad," he told TNT Sports. "It's a clear red card. I watched it just now. I don't understand why the VAR is not calling the referee because it's so clear."

The defeat means Villa head into next week's second leg trailing in the tie, despite creating chances and dominating large sections of the match. Chris Wood's 69th-minute penalty proved decisive after Anderson's challenge appeared to catch Watkins high, though VAR upheld the original on-field decision not to award a penalty at the time.

Emery emphasized the importance of the return leg at Villa Park, insisting the tie remains alive despite the setback. "The match is not finishing in 95 minutes tonight. The match is continuing next week and we must try to come back with a result," he said, keeping his team's spirits up while maintaining his frustration with the officiating.