A highly controversial refereeing decision and a red card proved agonizing for Aston Villa today as they lost 2-0 to Manchester United, missing out on Champions League qualification.
Villa’s misery started late in the first half when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund.
With the score at 0-0, Villa’s Morgan Rogers had a goal controversially disallowed in the 76th minute.
Referee Thomas Bramall whistled for a foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before the ball entered the net, making the decision unreviewable by VAR. This incensed Villa boss Unai Emery.
Moments later, Amad Diallo put Manchester United ahead and Christian Eriksen scored a penalty late on to seal United’s 2-0 victory.
The defeat means Aston Villa will play in the Europa League next season, while Newcastle claimed the final Champions League spot.
Even Magpies legend Alan Shearer criticized the disallowed goal, stating, “I think he got it awfully wrong.”
Manchester United ended their season in 15th place, their lowest finish since 1974-75, and will miss out on European football entirely.
