Following Friday night’s 1-1 draw between Sheffield United and Aston Villa, Unai Emery made an unusual jab at the referees.

The Spaniard has given what he believes to be an essential proposal regarding how Leon Bailey’s disallowed goal should have been refereed, but he still accepts and supports the use of VAR.

If Villa had prevailed, they would have topped the Premier League standings, but they were thwarted by two contentious refereeing decisions in addition to Sheffield United’s formidable defense.

Bailey’s goal in the 60th minute was disallowed for a foul committed during the build-up, and Ollie Watkins was denied a penalty in the first half despite a clear push by Vini Souza.

Watkins regained possession and played a one-two before crossing low to Bailey; the foul had little bearing on that.

“It was not the correct decision but I always accept the VAR,” Emery said in the post-match press conference.

“I think today, VAR was too much and for the goal it was a second action. We recovered the ball and then we scored.

It was not necessary to review this,” Emery said in a tone that was both slightly frustrated and surprisingly composed.

The foul in question appeared to be a soft one because Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was tackled by Ramsey’s limp arm.

The head coach made no note of Watkins’ penalty shout, but it was evident what he thought about the goal that was chalked off. Emery believes that referees won’t examine plays that are so far behind in the progression of goals for too long.

In this instance, it might have prevented his team from leading the Premier League at Christmas.

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