‘Couldn’t breathe’ - Leon Bailey slams ‘baffling’ VAR call vs Man Utd & calls out Lisandro Martinez

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has slammed a controversial refereeing decision in the wake of the Lions’ 3-1 win over Manchester United. The Jamaican, who scored the opening goal on the day, took to Twitter after the match to express a passionate view toward a VAR call.

Tensions rose in the clash with United as Villa’s number 31 was elbowed in the chest and stomach by Red Devils defender Lisandro Martinez. Bailey and his teammates appealed for the video assistant referee to get involved but to no avail, as play continued with the Argentine centre-half getting away with his actions.

Voted man of the match by supporters, Bailey had already done plenty enough on the field to make an impression on Unai Emery’s managerial debut, but the 25-year-old felt there was still something to contribute even after the full-time whistle.

Taking to Twitter, Bailey said: “Very disappointed in the referees today. I couldn’t breathe for a second after getting elbowed twice in my rib. The linesman went on to say I shouldn’t be saying anything because I was doing just the same thing to Martinez. Sometimes I don’t understand why we got VAR.”

Away from the decision and Bailey’s 6th-minute goal was crucial to helping Villa collect a vital three points. Lucas Digne added a second just four minutes later with a pinpoint free-kick up and over United’s will.

The Red Devils grabbed one back through a Jacob Ramsey own goal just before half time - Luke Shaw’s effort taking a wicked deflection - but the Villans wonderkid got his own back at the right end of the field. Just after the break, Ramsey received a well-weighted pass from Ollie Watkins and opened up his body, firing the ball into the top corner.

A famous victory for Villa as they beat United at home for the first time in 27 years. Soaring to 13th in the Premier League, Emery now has a far better platform to work with ahead of the rest of the campaign. The Lions have one more challenge before the World Cup - away at Brighton on Sunday, November 13.