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By TOM COLLOMOSSE, FOOTBALL REPORTER Published: 06: 11 AEDT, 2 February 2026 | Updated: 06: 11 AEDT, 2 February 2026 1 View comments Unai Emery hit out at the ‘unfair’ VAR call that put a huge dent in Aston Villa’s dwindling title hopes. With 10-man Brentford leading 1-0 through Dango Ouattara despite having Kevin Schade sent off, Tammy Abraham thought he had equalised on his second Villa ‘debut’ – but the goal was ruled out because Leon Bailey was deemed to have taken the ball out of play close to his own corner flag, nearly 20 seconds before the ball hit the net. Emery rarely criticises officials and was also relatively restrained here – but it was clear the Villa boss was unhappy. ‘I think it’s not fair, ’ he said. ‘I accept it completely, though. The referees are so demanding of themselves to get everything right. If there is something they can improve I know they will do it. ‘The goal happened a long time after the initial incident and if the linesman didn’t see it in the first place, play should continue. It’s difficult for VAR to analyse this goal. It’s so tight. VAR must not ask the referee in these situations. ’ Emery also added that he did not expect Villa to do any business on Monday, the final day of the transfer window. There remains the possibility, though, that the terms of Harvey Elliott’s loan move from Liverpool could be renegotiated. Unai Emery hit out at the ‘unfair’ VAR call that put a huge dent in Aston Villa’s title hopes Tammy Abraham (above) thought he had equalised on his second Aston Villa ‘debut’ – but the goal was ruled out because Leon Bailey was deemed to have taken the ball out of play close After sitting on the sidelines for nearly four months, Elliott has featured in the last two games. He has now played eight times for Villa and two more appearances would force them to buy him for £35million next summer. Villa do not want to do that – yet nor does it help Liverpool if the midfielder does not play for the remainder of the season, as his value would decline. So it would be no surprise if the clubs brokered a new deal. Meanwhile, Brentford boss Keith Andrews had sympathy with Villa’s VAR frustration but was keen to highlight his team’s defensive excellence. ‘I can understand the fans’ reaction as the delays take the sting out of the game, ’ he admitted. ‘But it was a defensive masterclass from us and I have immense pride in our performance. ’
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