Unai Emery angry at ‘harsh’ Aston Villa disallowed goal against Juventus | OneFootball

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery believes their last-gasp disallowed goal against Juventus was ‘harsh’ even though he acknowledges this is Champions League officiating.

The Premier League side thanked goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for his remarkable one-handed save on the line to deny Francisco Conceicao in the 0-0 draw.

“I am very happy because we won a point. We played a very competitive match. We were dominating the match to try to get three points,” Emery told TNT Sports UK.

Emery disagreed with Aston Villa-Juventus referee

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Diego Carlos of Aston Villa fouls Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus, before Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa goes on to score a goal which is later ruled out following a VAR Review, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park on November 27, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)avl

However, the hosts also had huge chances, above all the Lucas Digne free kick that bounced off the top of the crossbar and a last-gasp disallowed Morgan Rogers goal.

He had turned the loose ball into the net after Diego Carlos caught Michele Di Gregorio in the ribs, as the goalkeeper was at full stretch to grab the Youri Tielemans free kick.

While this was really not in doubt for the Italian interpretation of officiating, in the Premier League they are far less protective of the goalkeepers.

“The last action is clear. It’s the interpretation of the referee. We know in England, it’s 80% not a foul, but in Europe, maybe not. For me it was harsh. In England, I know it’s not a foul usually, because it was a very soft contact. But in Europe, it could be foul,” noted Emery.

“I think the referee, in the beginning, he was giving it as goal. We have to accept his decision.”

The call was made by VAR without the need for the referee to view it himself on the On-Field Review monitor.

“We played a serious match. We played trying to avoid the mistakes we made from the last matches. We were playing better and I think we more or less deserved to win the match than them,” added Emery.

Juventus came to Birmingham with only 14 outfield players and had to use Timothy Weah as a makeshift False 9 in the absence of any centre-forwards.

“We analysed their play, they are building a team and are in the process. They are very competitive and very difficult to beat. They’ve only lost one match.

“But we wanted to play too. We were dominating them. We were getting into their box better and we had chances to score. They had the chance in the second half with that Emiliano Martinez save.

“I think it was very tight match for both teams. But I’m happy with the overall result. Three wins, one draw and one defeat is very good. We still have the possibility to get into the top eight.”