Emery slams 'huge mistake' after VAR incident in Europa League semi

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has condemned VAR for what he called a "huge mistake" during the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

The Villa boss was left frustrated after the incident involving Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who appeared to escape punishment for a challenge that Emery believed warranted a red card.

"Where are you? Wow. It is so, so bad," Emery was reported as saying in reference to the decision.

The match marked a significant occasion for both clubs as they contested the first leg at Villa Park. Emery's strong criticism of the officials highlights the growing tensions around VAR decisions in high-stakes European fixtures.

Forest progressed through to the next round following the aggregate result, with the first leg proving to be a pivotal moment in the tie.

The incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding video technology in football, with managers and fans continuing to express frustration over key decisions that can dramatically influence the outcome of matches.