Aston Villa protests referee error that cost Champions League spot against Man Utd

Aston Villa officially protested against the controversial decision that changed the fate of the team.

Aston Villa lost 0-2 to Manchester United in the final match of the 2024-2025 Premier League season's 38th round held on the 26th (Korean time) at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.

With this, Villa finished the season in 6th place with 66 points (19 wins, 9 draws, 10 losses). They were tied on points with 5th place Newcastle United, but fell short on goal difference. Ultimately, Villa missed out on the UEFA Champions League (UCL) ticket for the next season by a narrow margin and will participate in the UEFA Europa League (UEL).

On that day, Villa was overwhelmed by a Manchester United side with little motivation. From the first half, Villa struggled against United's attacks, and in stoppage time of the first half, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off. He received a direct red card after colliding with Rasmus Hojlund, who had penetrated into the backspace.

Outnumbered, Villa could not hold on any longer. At the same time, Newcastle lost to Everton, which meant Villa could have secured 5th place with just a draw, but they collapsed in the second half, conceding 2 goals. In the 31st minute of the second half, they allowed a first goal to Ahmad Diallo, and at the end of the match, they conceded a penalty kick goal to Christian Eriksen, falling to their knees.

However, there was a scene that sparked significant controversy. In the 28th minute of the second half, with the score at 0-0, Villa shook the net first, but the goal was disallowed. Goalkeeper Robin Olsen made a long pass forward, and Morgan Rogers quickly penetrated. Although it seemed like United's goalkeeper Altay Bayındır had possession of the ball first, Rogers rushed in, touched the ball, and scored into an empty net.

However, the goal was not recognized. Referee Thomas Bramall had already blown the whistle, declaring a foul by Rogers. The decision was that Rogers made an excessive move after Bayındır had clearly possessed the ball.

The issue is that Referee Bramall blew the whistle before the ball crossed the goal line. Therefore, video assistant referee (VAR) review could not be conducted. The Premier League Match Center explained, "The referee's decision was based on the consideration that Bayındır was deemed to be in possession of the ball before Rogers gained ownership. VAR intervention was not possible because the whistle was blown before the goal was scored."

Unai Emery, Villa's manager, could not contain his anger and strongly protested to the assistant referee. The slow-motion replay suggested that Bayındır had not properly possessed the ball. However, the decision was not reversed, and Villa immediately conceded a goal to Diallo. When a penalty kick was awarded to United late in the second half, Manager Emery sarcastically applauded and said, "Bravo."

If Rogers's goal had been recognized, Villa would have been more likely to qualify for the UCL instead of the UEL next season. As the team’s fate changed in an instant, Villa issued an official statement protesting to the refereeing team. They raised concerns about assigning a 35-year-old referee as the main referee for a match with so much at stake.

Villa confirmed through the club's website, "We sent an official letter to the Premier League Referee Management Organization (PGMOL) to raise concerns about the selection process for match officials after the Manchester United match today. Given the importance of today's match, we believe a more experienced referee should have been assigned. Referee Bramall had the second-least experience among the ten referees."

Villa also pointed out, "The decision not to allow Rogers's goal with 17 minutes remaining in the match was a key factor in the club not qualifying for the Champions League. According to the standards established this season, quick-whistled decisions do not clearly align with referee guidelines. VAR exists to ensure that such situations receive the investigation they deserve. Unfortunately, this time, that technology could not achieve its purpose."

In the end, Villa added, "We acknowledge that the result will ultimately not change. However, we believe it is important to mention how officials are assigned. This is to ensure that crucial matches receive the treatment they deserve, and that VAR technology functions effectively."

Meanwhile, according to Manager Emery, Referee Bramall also admitted his mistake. He said, "I spoke with the referee after the match. He is aware of his error," and added, "I do not wish to comment on VAR now."

Emery continued, "I make mistakes every day. I made mistakes today as well. The players make mistakes on the field. Sometimes, when working with referees, we have to accept mistakes. I trust VAR. There are excellent referees in the Premier League."

Villa's captain, John McGinn, protested a bit more strongly. He said, "No one in the locker room thinks we deserved to win. Manchester United was the better team," but added, "However, that decision is truly astonishing and unbelievable. When VAR was introduced, everyone wanted the correct decisions."

McGinn also stated, "I know the rules, but it's hard for us to accept. It is incredibly difficult to blow the whistle at that moment. The stakes are too high. All we needed was just one point to qualify for the Champions League. We need to revisit the rules. It’s not right that they cannot even admit a clear mistake. The referee didn’t know what to say to us either."

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