Premier League Better Off Without VAR, Says Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino says the Premier League is better off without VAR after Chelsea were denied a late winner against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Chelsea drew 2-2 with Unai Emery's side at Villa Park after initially going behind 2-0 at the break.
Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher brought the Blues level through second half efforts before Axel Disasi appeared to have nicked all three points with a header in second half stoppage time but VAR adjudged Benoit Badiashile had fouled a Villa player in the build up to the goal and referee Craig Pawson reversed his decision and awarded the home side a free kick.
"The referee is unbelievable and it's ridiculous. It is difficult to accept," Pochettino said.
"They didn't see a foul on the pitch and then VAR changed the decision of the referee. For me that was a normal challenge.
"It is painful as it has damaged English football. Villa's players and their fans didn't understand why the goal was disallowed.
"For me it damaged a little bit the Premier League. If we want to be the best league in the world it should be protecting the spectacle and the decision."
Chelsea remain ninth in the Premier League and face the prospect of a second straight season without European football.
Their next game is a home fixture against Tottenham Hotspurs on Thursday.
