Drama at Villa Park as Chelsea Denied Last-Gasp Winner by VAR
Chelsea’s hopes of a dramatic comeback at Villa Park were dashed in the 96th minute when a headed goal by Axel Disasi was disallowed by VAR.
Referee Craig Pawson consulted the pitchside monitor after a lengthy delay and ruled out the goal due to a push from Benoit Badiashile in the build-up. The final whistle blew with the score locked at 2-2, leaving the Blues frustrated.
Noni Madueke’s visible anger towards the decision resulted in a yellow card from Pawson. Badiashile also received a booking for his protests, prompting a member of Chelsea’s coaching staff to intervene and separate the players from the officials.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino echoed the team’s disappointment, calling the VAR decision “damaging to English football.” He questioned the process of the review, specifically when the referee initially missed the foul but relied on VAR to overturn the goal.
Pochettino refrained from direct criticism of the referee but emphasized his frustration with the “unbelievable” and “ridiculous” decision.