Aston Villa news: Ex-Premier League referee ‘surprised’ by VAR as Emiliano Buendia controversy analysed
Keith Hackett is “surprised” VAR did not have “a longer look” at the challenge on Aston Villa midfielder Emiliano Buendia prior to Wilfried Zaha’s goal on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League and Fifa official claimed referee Andy Madley was not best placed to make a definite call on the incident.
As shown on the BBC’s Match of the Day (20 August), Buendia went to ground following a challenge from Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure inside the 18-yard box.
Referee Andy Madley waved play on and Zaha equalised for the hosts from the subsequent passage of play.
VAR official John Brooks did not adjudge there to have been a clear and obvious error from his colleague.
Patrick Vieira’s side went on to win 3-1 at Selhurst Park.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of the first-half incident, Hackett said: “I was surprised that VAR did not have a longer look at this.
“I do not think it is a clear and obvious error though. That is probably why he didn’t give it.
“I would have liked the referee to have been closer to it with a better viewing angle. That would have reinforced his view that it was not a penalty kick.
“It was a tight call. There is a question to be asked.”
Steven Gerrard’s side dropped to 13th in the table after the defeat at Palace.
They welcome West Ham to Villa Park on Sunday.
In other news, a medical insider has claimed Diego Carlos may not recover until 2024 after Aston Villa source’s update.