Unai Emery, manager of Aston Villa, expressed his frustration with the decision to disallow his team’s late goal in their 0-0 draw against Juventus in the Champions League, calling it “very soft” and stressing the need for consistency from European referees.
Morgan Rogers thought he had secured a dramatic win for Villa in stoppage time, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled that Diego Carlos had committed a foul on Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Despite the contact seeming minimal, VAR did not intervene, leaving Villa with just a point.
Emery reflected on the decision, saying, “It’s a matter of the referee’s interpretation. In England, 80% of similar situations are given as goals, with no foul. Here, it’s seen as a foul, but I have to accept that difference.”
He went on to explain, “In England, referees would likely rule it as no foul, but in Europe, the approach is different, and we have to adapt. The way the game is played also differs, especially in scenarios like offensive corners or goalkeeping situations, which are treated differently in England. When it happened, I initially thought it was a goal, but I understand the European interpretation.”
Despite the disappointment of the disallowed goal, Emery remained positive about Villa’s performance. “We were up against a team that’s usually among the top contenders for the competition, and while we wanted to win, taking a point is still a good result. With 10 points, we’re still in the race, and we’re pleased with our progress in our first Champions League campaign.”
