‘Missed two beautiful moments’ – Cole laments VAR after Chelsea denied late win

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.

But referee Craig Pawson was called over to the pitchside monitor and subsequently penalised Benoit Badiashile for a foul on Diego Carlos in the build-up.

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.”

Glenn Hoddle agreed that it was the correct decision to rule out the goal, but sympathised with Mauricio Pochettino’s frustrations after the match.

“I understand Mauricio’s emotion after the game and with what happened in the semi-final as well,” he explained.

“But in the light of day, most people that have played football and been managers will see that as a foul.

“It’s quite a simple one and I was surprised the referee didn’t see it in normal play with no bodies in front of him. That’s where VAR comes in.”

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.

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