Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was visibly angry after the full-time whistle at Selhurst Park
22:27, 07 Jan 2026Updated 01:57, 08 Jan 2026
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was angry with referee Andy Madley(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Unai Emery vented his frustration at referee Andy Madley after full-time at Selhurst Park, believing Aston Villa had a case for a penalty late in the 0-0 draw.
Youri Tielemans appeared to be held by Brennan Johnson in the box as Villa tried to snatch a late winner from a set-piece, but no penalty was awarded.
Emery was visibly angry after the final whistle, storming over to Madley, clearly upset that VAR hadn’t reviewed the incident properly – especially after having spent time earlier in the second half checking a possible penalty for Johnson at the other end.
“To speak about the referee is one minute or 30 seconds; it is more important to speak about the match,” Emery said when asked why he was angry after full-time.
“I respect the referees, but they must check the action on Youri Tielemans. It is a potential penalty.
“I don’t know who is in the VAR, but if they checked Brennan Johnson’s possible penalty, which was clear for me, then Tielemans’ possible penalty in the corner should have been checked.
“He was being held for one, two, three seconds. I think this is the action.”
Despite coming under pressure in the second half, Villa came closest to winning the match, with Ollie Watkins striking the post with a header.
The Villa forward also had two chances on goal in the first half, while Tyrick Mitchell was fortunate to escape with the ball hitting his hand twice before the break.
Palace had their moments too, with Justin Devenny denied by Lucas Digne at the back post in a key moment. However, Villa left Selhurst Park knowing their hosts were there for the taking, having now failed to win any of their last eight games.
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