Aston Villa’s dreams of Champions League football ended controversially on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, marred by a contentious refereeing decision.
The club has lodged a formal complaint with PGMOL over what they call a “big mistake” by referee Thomas Bramall.
With the score at 0-0, and Villa down to 10 men, Morgan Rogers appeared to score, but Bramall blew for a foul on United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, despite replays showing Bayindir was not in control of the ball.
Crucially, the whistle was blown before the ball entered the net, preventing VAR intervention. United then scored moments later.
Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, criticised the appointment of an “inexperienced referee” for such a high-stakes game.
“The complaint is not about the decision, it is about the selection of the referee,” he stated.
The disallowance of the goal was a “major contributing factor” to Villa missing out on Champions League football on goal difference.
Manager Unai Emery called it a “big mistake.”
Football finance experts highlight the significant financial blow to Villa, who desperately needed Champions League revenue.
This will likely necessitate player sales to comply with financial regulations. Pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards agreed the decision was a “howler” and a “huge error.”
