Pochettino Claims VAR Undermining English Football after Chelsea's Goal Overturn

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed criticism towards Video Assistant Referee (VAR), suggesting the refereeing technology has undercut English football in the wake of his team’s disallowed injury-time equalizer at Aston Villa. Despite overcoming a 2-0 halftime deficit, Chelsea's celebratory spirits were quashed when a headed goal from Axel Disasi was revoked for a foul on Diego Carlos.

Pochettino vented his frustrations towards referee Craig Pawson's decision which was sealed after consulting the pitchside VAR monitor. The interpretation of the decision stirred controversy, amplifying claims of VAR's detrimental impact on the game.

The Chelsea boss admitted his disappointment, characterizing the incident as "unbelievable" and "ridiculous". Pochettino reasoned if every challenge like the one involving Disasi would be ruled a foul, the matches would end with fewer than 11 players on each side. He added that such decisions are damaging not only to the match but to English football at large.


This incident arrived just days after Chelsea sorely lost with a 5-0 score against Arsenal. The game against Villa looked similarly unfavorable as Chelsea trailed at half-time, but they managed to regain footing in the second half through goals from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher before the last-minute drama.

Despite dropping a two-goal lead, Villa saw it as a point gained against competitive Chelsea. The draw pushed them seven points ahead of Tottenham, striving for a Champions League place. Despite Villa's injury concerns, including key goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Youri Tielemans, the team remains optimistic.