Aston Villa were denied a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Juventus in their Champions League clash at Villa Park, as Morgan Rogers’ late strike was controversially disallowed.
The 94th-minute goal was chalked off by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, who ruled that Diego Carlos had fouled Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio in the build-up.
Both manager Unai Emery and striker Ollie Watkins suggested the goal would have stood in Premier League competition, highlighting the different refereeing standards in European football.
The incident occurred when Di Gregorio fumbled a high ball under pressure from Diego Carlos in the fourth minute of added time.
The loose ball fell to Rogers who turned it into the empty net, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
However, referee Gil Manzano quickly halted the jubilation, ruling that Carlos’ arm had made contact with the Juventus goalkeeper as he jumped for the ball.
Aston Villa thought they beat Juventus but Morgan Rogers’ goal was ruled out
Reuters
The decision appeared harsh to the Villa faithful, but the referee was adamant in his call.
Watkins was diplomatic but clear in his assessment of the decision after the match.
“I think it’s soft, maybe in the Premier League it’s a goal, but not in Europe. In the competition the goalkeepers are protected by the referees but I thought it was a goal,” the England striker told reporters.
“I’ve got to be careful what I say about the referee but the refereeing is different.
“Referees don’t let things go in this competition as much in the Premier League.”
Watkins did concede that Villa might have been fortunate to win, noting: “It had 0-0 written all over it.”
Villa manager Unai Emery echoed his striker’s sentiments about the different officiating standards.
“In England, 80 per cent of those is given a goal and it not a foul. It’s very soft. But in Europe, it could be a foul. We have to accept,” Emery told TNT Sports.
Despite the controversial ending, the Spaniard remained positive about his team’s performance.
“We dominated the match. We were closer than them to winning the match,” he added.
Ollie Watkins believes Aston Villa should have all three points against Juventus
Reuters
The 0-0 draw leaves Villa still in contention for a top-eight finish in their debut Champions League campaign, currently sitting ninth on 10 points.
The stalemate marked a winless November for Villa, who have now gone seven matches without a victory.
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Unai Emery insisted the goal would have probably stood in the Premier League
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Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez played a crucial role in securing the point, making a spectacular save to deny Francisco Conceicao midway through the second half.
The Premier League side will look to return to winning ways when they travel to Chelsea on Sunday.
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