Frank calls for VAR to be used in play-offs

FURIOUS Brentford boss Thomas Frank called for VAR to be introduced to the Championship playoffs after taking issue with Rico Henry’s red card during his side’s defeat at Swansea City.

Swansea will head into the second leg of their play-off semi-final in London tomorrow with a narrow advantage after Andre Ayew’s fine second-half strike saw them win their opening encounter 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium.

The forward had earlier seen his penalty saved by David Raya, but he more than made up for the miss by volleying his side in front late on after the visitors had controversially been reduced to 10 men.

Henry saw red for his challenge on Welsh international Connor Roberts just after the hour-mark, with the defender left in disbelief at referee Keith Stroud’s decision.

And his manager was left equally baffled, leading to Frank having to stop himself from swearing during his post-match interview.

“I think we were by far the best side until the red card, in a good football match between two good football sides,” Frank said.

“I think Swansea did well as well. Until the penalty, we should have been 1-0 up, and then the penalty came which was crucial.

“Maybe it was a penalty, maybe not, but that was the only time when we didn’t have control, they didn’t even have a chance.”

On the red card, Frank added: “When you play a game, or two games, where you’re playing for promotion to the Premier League, and you play for £170million, people need to be really, really sure when they make their decisions.

“I don’t understand why there can’t be VAR in these games.

“I can understand it in the Championship, but I can’t understand it when there’s so much at stake.

“They need to nail it. “From my point of view, it was absolutely not a red card.

“I spoke to a ref outside of this, he said no red card.

“I told that to the ref and the fourth official, of course they have to say differently, but I think that’s just – I can’t swear on telly – a word I can’t say.

“We’re going to appeal this, and I’m absolutely, 100 per cent sure we’ll have a decision where Rico can play on Wednesday, unless someone isn’t doing their job well.”