Mauricio Pochettino has criticized the use of VAR, saying the technology has 'damaged the image of English football' after Chelsea were denied a last-minute goal in their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
For a while it looked like the Blues would have to deal with another disappointing loss at the hands of the top four, but a second-half revival allowed Chelsea to fight back and equalise.
A chance to claim victory almost came in the final moments of the game, as Axel Disasi curled a corner into the back of the Villa net. Shortly after, the goal went to VAR, only to be quickly disallowed after Benoit Badiashile was accused of shoving Diego Carlos in the build-up.
Blues boss Pochettino was left devastated, feeling his players deserved to win. Speaking after the game, he said the decision was 'ridiculous'.
He told TNT Sports: “Everybody who watched the game will feel disappointed. Two different things, the referee said it was a bad play and then disallowed the goal and then went to VAR to confirm.
“The referee is unbelievable and funny. It's hard to accept, these things happened in the semi-finals. [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago, it was handball and it wasn't a penalty, the referee didn't look at it.
“It is sad as it has hurt English football and I think the Villa players and their fans did not understand why the goal was disallowed.
“They said it was bad and if you see a challenge, what happens if we go into every challenge like this, it will be bad and we won't finish the game with 11. [players]. We can talk about the play or the decision – it hurts the game.”
Chelsea return from Villa Park with one point and return to action on Thursday when they face Tottenham Hotspur.
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