Unai Emery praised referee Chris Kavanagh for his strong performance during Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. Kavanagh was notably active throughout the match, issuing his first yellow card just four minutes in. By the end of the game, he had shown a total of 13 yellow cards, with seven being awarded to Villa players. While some of the bookings seemed a bit harsh, Kavanagh’s strict officiating set a low threshold that led to more cautions than usual. This approach is often met with mixed reactions from fans, as it can disrupt the flow of the game.
In addition to managing the bookings, Kavanagh also played a key role in the use of VAR. He disallowed a first-half goal from John McGinn after consulting with the video assistant referee, and he turned down two late penalty appeals from Bournemouth, which added to the high-stakes atmosphere of the match.
Despite his team’s frustration with some key decisions, Emery expressed admiration for Kavanagh’s handling of the game. “Today, the referee was fantastic,” he stated in the post-match press conference. “He did a fantastic job. The VAR decision on the disallowed goal was very tight, but I fully accept it and believe the referee made the right call.”
Emery also addressed the handball incident involving Leon Bailey, noting, “It’s not a penalty. Yes, he touched the ball with his hand, but it was going towards the corner of the box, which doesn’t warrant a penalty.”
Regarding another contentious moment, he commented on the challenge by Matty Cash on Antoine Semenyo, asserting, “The referee saw it perfectly, and VAR confirmed his decision. Overall, I think he did a fantastic job.”
Emery’s remarks highlight the complexities of officiating in high-pressure matches and the critical role that referees play in maintaining fairness and integrity in football. While fans and players often have differing opinions on officiating decisions, Emery’s acknowledgment of Kavanagh’s efforts reflects a professional respect for the difficult job referees face in managing intense games.