There was more VAR controversy in the Premier League as Chelsea were denied a memorable comeback against Aston Villa.
Axel Disasi looked to have secured a vital win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in stoppage time with a superb header, but his effort was overturned after Benoit Badiashile was penalised for a foul in the build-up.
Joe Cole feels that VAR is taking the passion away from the game.
Joe Cole believes that VAR is taking away the passion and those magic moments in football, as Axel Disasi was denied a late winner in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
The Blues looked to have completed a memorable comeback when Disasi headed home in stoppage time after strikes from Noni Madueke and Conor Gallagher had wiped out Villa’s 2-0 lead.
Cole explained that while he felt the decision was correct, he explained that VAR is taking the spontaneity away from football.
“It is a foul and it’s smart,” Cole told TNT Sports. “He’s kidded the ref, he knows Carlos is about to pop it out of play and he nudges him.
“It’s a foul and it’s disappointing. But on the other side of things, with this tonight and the Coventry situation at Wembley [a late Coventry goal was disallowed for offside in the FA Cup semi-final v Manchester United], you’ve missed two great and beautiful moments.
“Obviously not for the Villa fans or the Manchester United fans, but I just think we’re not achieving what we set out to. You’re taking away those moments and that passion.”
This result on the night keeps Pochettino’s side firmly in the hunt for European qualification after moving up to ninth in the table with games in hand over Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Ham United.
Meanwhile, Villa remain fourth and seven points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in their hunt for Champions League football.
However, Spurs have three games in hand on Unai Emery’s side and could close the gap to four points with a victory in Sunday’s north London derby against Premier League title-chasing Arsenal.
