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Noni Madueke and Benoit Badiashile's fiery confrontation with referee Craig Pawson stole the spotlight in Chelsea's contentious 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday evening at Villa Park.
Madueke and his teammates were left seething after what they believed was a last-gasp winner was controversially disallowed by VAR.
As Axel Disasi's apparent 96th-minute header was chalked off due to a perceived foul in the build-up, emotions ran high on the pitch.
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Chelsea boss Pochettino slams VAR which has damaged English football after controversial decision denied Blues victory
Chelsea were denied a late winner from Axel Disasi in their 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, leaving Mauricio Pochettino enraged
Madueke and Badiashile’s furious moment
According to reports from Daily Mail, Madueke had to be physically restrained by Chelsea's coaching staff as he vented his anger directly at Pawson, questioning the decision vehemently.
The 22-year-old's frustration was palpable as he insisted that the goal should have stood, leaving little room for ambiguity.
"Should it have been three points? Yes," Madueke asserted to BBC Sport. "Do I think the goal should have stood? Yes. Nothing else to say about the situation."
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Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino echoed the sentiment of frustration, condemning VAR and its impact on English football.
"Everyone that was watching the game will feel disappointed," Pochettino expressed on TNT Sports. "It is painful as it has damaged English football... It is damaging the game. I am calm and it is only to help. Now, we have to move on and it will be in the headlines with the disallowed goal."
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Despite the controversy surrounding the disallowed goal, the match itself was filled with drama. Initially trailing 2-0 at halftime due to a Marc Cucurella own goal and a strike from Morgan Rogers, Chelsea managed to claw their way back into the game with goals from Madueke and Conor Gallagher.
Pochettino's side, despite the setback, remains hopeful of finishing the season strongly and securing a place in European competition.
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