Premier League release statement after Aston Villa penalty controversy against Nottingham Forest

The Premier League match centre has issued a statement amid controversy during Aston Villa’s Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest.

Villa were claiming a penalty in the first half at the City Ground as Morgan Rogers was held back inside the box by Forest’s Elliot Anderson. Referee Samuel Barrott dismissed their pleas, despite video replays clearly showing Anderson was holding onto Rogers’ arm as he raced into the penalty area and went down.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp described it as a “blatant” penalty during the half-time interval. “There’s real force in it, it’s a definite penalty for me,” he said.

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The Premier League match centre’s statement read: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Anderson on Rogers was checked and confirmed by the VAR.”

Villa boss Unai Emery slammed the decision after the final whistle. He said: "I told in the interview with the TV that I didn’t watch the penalty (Rogers incident), but after I watch it, it is a clear penalty. It is a mistake by VAR. It is a big mistake. This is clearly a penalty.

"I respect the referees and the VAR. We watched it after. Damian (Vidagany) showed me and it's a penalty. Clear penalty. Where is the VAR? OK it happens."