‘Absolute disgrace’ – Aston Villa fans rage as latest VAR footage analysed after Sheffield United draw
Aston Villa fans were left fuming at VAR after multiple decisions went against them during their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Friday evening.
Unai Emery’s side kicked off the match at Villa Park knowing three points was enough to climb to the top of the Premier League table ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool.
However, Villa were only able to rescue one point against the Blades to stay second in the table – joint on points with the Gunners.
Sheffield United started the match at the bottom of the league table, but the draw grew their points tally to nine and saw them climb above Burnley to go 19th.
Ex-Villa star Cameron Archer gave United the lead in the 87th minute, but the hosts drew level through Nicolo Zaniolo after he scored his first league goal for Villa in injury time.
Villa came close to taking the lead earlier in the match after Ollie Watkins found Leon Bailey in space, but the Jamaican’s strike was chalked off by VAR after Jacob Ramsey was deemed to have committed a foul in the build-up.
The hosts were also denied three penalty claims early in the first half by referee Anthony Taylor, who was advised by VAR to continue play.
Following the refereeing controversy, Villa boss Emery said: “There was too much VAR tonight. I accept VAR but it was too much. For the goal, it was not necessary. Normally, we can accept this goal.”
Villa fans on social media were outraged at the decisions, with many claiming the Premier League to be ‘corrupt’ while others called for VAR to be scrapped entirely.
Villa will resume their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day with a trip to Old Trafford, while the Blades will host fellow relegation battlers Luton Town at Bramall Lane.
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