Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has condemned VAR, citing its damaging impact on English football after his side’s late goal against Aston Villa was denied.
Chelsea conceded two goals, including an own goal by Cucurella in the 4th minute and another by Rogers in the 42nd minute,
before Madueke and Gallagher leveled it up in the second half to secure a point for Pochettino’s men.
Axel Disasi‘s header in the fourth minute of time added on crashed in off the crossbar to secure a 3-2 win,
But Benoit Badiashile was ruled to have fouled Diego Carlos in the build-up and the goal was ruled out after VAR recommended an on-pitch review from the referee.
Pochettino told reporter:
“Everyone that was watching the game will feel disappointed.
“Two different things the referee said it was a foul and disallowed the goal and then going to the VAR to confirm.
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“The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous.
It is difficult to accept, these type of things in the semi-final [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago it was handball and it was no penalty, the referee he didn’t check it.
“It is painful as it has damaged English football and I think Villa players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed.
“They said it was foul and if you see the challenge what happened if we go into every single challenge like this it is going to be a foul and we wouldn’t finish the game with 11 [players].
“We can talk about the performance or the decision – it is damaging the game.”
Chelsea remain in 9th position but still have matches to play. If they win the remaining games, there’s hope for qualification for European competition.
