Emery Blasts VAR After Europa League Loss to Forest

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery launched a scathing attack on VAR following his team's 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League tie.

Emery was furious that VAR did not call for a red card after Forest's Eliot Anderson caught Ollie Watkins' ankle with his studs during a sliding tackle. The incident was briefly reviewed and cleared.

"It's a clear red card," Emery said. "VAR is responsible. They are doing very bad work. It was so clear for everybody. He could break his ankle."

Watkins, Villa's top scorer with 15 goals this season, played the full match despite the challenge. Forest won 1-0 thanks to a Chris Wood penalty in the 71st minute.

Aston Villa, currently fifth in the Premier League, face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.