Aston Villa have made an official complaint to the PGMOL over the selection of referee Thomas Bramall for their Premier League final-day match against Man Utd, which Champions League-chasing Villa lost after having a goal controversially ruled out.
The defeat saw Villa finish sixth in the league, meaning they missed out on Champions League football next season when just a point would have seen them secure the top-five finish necessary to qualify.
After the first-half sending-off of goalkeeper Emi Martinez, Villa’s 10 players thought they had taken the lead in the second half when Morgan Rogers poked the ball free from Altay Bayindir and curled the ball into an open net, only for Bramall to disallow the goal for an alleged foul on the United goalkeeper.
The referee awarded a free kick to United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession, only for replays to show he did not have both hands on the ball when Rogers poked it away. Because Bramall blew his whistle before Rodgers’ shot crossed the goalline, VAR was unable to intervene.
Amad Diallo scored for Man Utd three minutes later before Christian Eriksen’s penalty doubled United’s advantage in the 87th minute. The 2-0 loss at Old Trafford meant Villa missed out on Champions League qualification on goal difference, while a point would have been enough to lift them into fifth following Newcastle’s 1-0 defeat to Everton.
On Sunday evening Villa confirmed a complaint had been made, saying: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.
“The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.
“As per the standards that have been established over the course of the season, a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines. VAR exists to ensure that these types of situations receive the scrutiny they deserve. Unfortunately, the technology was not allowed to serve its purpose.
“Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe that it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure that high stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure that the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”
Bramall has officiated 11 games in the top-flight of English football this season and 17 other match officials have taken charge of more fixtures than him throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
“The complaint is not about the decision,” Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany said post-match. “The complaint is about the selection of the referees. One of the most inexperienced referees for one of the most difficult matches of the season involving another four or five teams.
“It’s not about the decision. The decision is clear. It’s a mistake. The referee apologised for the mistake. We can do nothing. The problem is why the experienced international referees were not here today.”
Why was the goal disallowed?
“The referee’s call was a free-kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession,” read a Premier League match centre statement on X.
“The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”
Head coach Unai Emery, who indicated with a nod that Bramall had admitted the mistake, told TNT Sports: “The TV (evidence) is clear but, of course, we have to accept it. It is a big mistake.
“The goal (being) disallowed was the key moment but overall they deserve it more. We were resilient with one player less and we could score one goal. It was a good opportunity to continue being resilient and keep the result.
“I speak to the referee and he knows it (was a mistake). But I don’t want to speak about VAR.
“We go to Europa League but we were close to Champions League. Our objective (at the start of the season) was to be in Europe, and we have to be happy and proud with what we did.”
PGMOL declined to comment when approached by Sky Sports News.
The disallowed goal that cost Villa CL…
McGinn slams ‘incredible’ decision that cost Villa CL
Villa captain John McGinn has slammed the “incredible” decision to rule out Rogers’ goal at Old Trafford during the 2-0 defeat which cost the visitors a spot in the Champions League.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, McGinn said: “Tough to take, especially in the circumstances.
“No one in the dressing room or watching felt like we deserved to win. Man Utd were the better team but the decision is incredible.
“Everyone, when VAR was implemented, wanted correct decisions. I know it is the rule but it is so hard to take, especially with the impact it has on us.
“To whistle at that point, it is hard to take. All you need is a point to get into the Champions League.”