Sports
Villa Manager Blasts Refereeing After United Equaliser in 96th Minute
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was visibly upset after his side lost a 4‑2 lead in the final minutes of a Premier League match against Manchester United. Emery left the dugout before the final whistle, citing a perceived lack of protection for his goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, during a late corner that allowed United to score through Patrick Dorgu in the 96th minute. In a post‑match interview, Emery said, “They score in minute 96, the referee added six minutes. I thought the game was done. Angry? Of course. How is it to accept to lose in the last minute with two balls. Is difficult.” He added that the corner was a “push and disturb” situation for Suzuki, a tactic he said is not permitted in other countries. The incident occurred when United goalkeeper Senne Lammens moved forward for a corner, apparently impeding Suzuki’s attempt to catch the ball. The contact allowed the ball to drop into a dangerous area where Dorgu finished to level the score. VAR reviewed the play and the referee, Chris Kavanagh, awarded the goal, sparking protests from Villa players. Suzuki received a booking for his complaints to the officials. Emery said the goalkeeper must adapt to the physicality of English football but also insisted that officials must ensure fair play in the six‑yard box. He added, “We have to continue analysing and having experiences and trying to avoid situations like we conceded.” The match ended 4‑4, leaving Villa in 10th place after 10 games. Villa had built a 4‑2 advantage through goals from Alisson Edward, Nicolas Jackson, a John McGinn penalty and a Leon Goretzka strike, but Joshua Zirkzee’s 92nd‑minute goal gave United a chance to come back. The collapse has cost Villa valuable points in their push for European qualification. Villa will resume play after the international break, with a home game against Sunderland scheduled for November 21.