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28th Apr 2024

Mauricio Pochettino claims VAR has ‘damaged’ English football

Luke Davies

The admission came after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa yesterday.

Chelsea came from two goals behind to level the score before Axel Disasi had the ball in the net only to be ruled out for a push in the build-up. And by push, that should be used loosely.

Chaos ensued with both sets of players embroiled in arguments at full-time. The Argentine tried his best to remain calm in his post-match interview but could not help but explain his gripes with the technology used. 

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “The referee is unbelievable and it’s ridiculous. It is difficult to accept, these type of things in the semi-final [FA Cup against Man City] two weeks ago it was handball and it was no penalty, the referee he didn’t check it.

“It is painful as it has damaged English football and I think Villa players and their fans didn’t understand why the goal was disallowed.

“They said it was foul and if you see the challenge what happened if we go into every single challenge like this it is going to be a foul and we wouldn’t finish the game with 11 [players].”

“We can talk about the performance or the decision – it is damaging the game.”

The former Spurs boss continued, explaining how his comments were only to ‘help’ the game. Among the controversy he was pleased with his side’s defiant second-half performance; Moises Caceido was immense in midfield.

“The performance was very good and we played really well it is true in the first half we conceded easy.

“The things we tried to change the team didn’t concede too much. To play Villa who are fighting for the top four I am pleased with the team and the players were good.

“I think that it was what we expected and today was a good opportunity against a good team. Now, we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal.”

Chelsea have picked up form lately aside from a 5-0 defeat at the Emirates their young squad has shown signs of promise; notably in the 6-0 demolition of Everton. The Londoners sit ninth in the Premier League trailing seventh-placed Newcastle by five points having played a game less. 

Can Chelsea still secure UEFA Conference League qualification?

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