Thomas Bramall Michael Oliver Morgan Rogers, PGMOL Aston Villa
(Credit: Imago / Getty Images / TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Sun 25 May 2025 20:20, UK
Keith Hackett can’t understand why Thomas Bramall was appointed to referee Aston Villa’s loss to Man United, which saw them miss out on Champions League football amid major controversy.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that Michael Oliver should have been given the assignment.
Villa entered the match knowing that if they beat United, and one of Chelsea or Newcastle lost, they would qualify for the Champions League.
England target Eddie Howe‘s side held up their end of the bargain, losing 1-0 to Everton following a horrid misplaced pass from Jacob Murphy.
But after Emi Martinez was sent off at the end of the first half in a fairly cut-and-dry decision for Bramall, Villa’s afternoon devolved into a nightmare.
Morgan Rogers Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers saw his opener ruled out. (Credit Imago)
Aston Villa to make complaint to Premier League after Morgan Rogers goal ruled out
Following a miscued header from Harry Maguire back towards Altay Bayindir, Morgan Rogers stole ahead and poked home past the hapless Turkish shot-stopper.
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Although the United goalkeeper had failed to keep two hands on the ball, Bramall blew his whistle before the England international’s effort found the back of the net.
VAR looked at the incident, but as the referee had already stopped the game, there was nothing that could be done and the on-field decision stood.
United scored just a few minutes later, before finishing the job with a late Christian Eriksen penalty.
As a result of the awful decision, David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed Villa will make a complaint to the Premier League, citing Bramall’s inexperience as a key issue.
Man United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir
Photo Credit: Imago
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Thomas Bramall appointment
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Hackett revealed he found it “difficult to understand” why Oliver was not appointed to the game, given his experience and status alongside Anthony Taylor, who was put in charge of the crucial Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea match.
He said: “I was surprised and disappointed that Michael Oliver was appointed VAR for the Spurs v Brighton game.
“It is difficult to understand why Oliver, who like Taylor are our top two referees, was not appointed to a big game in the middle.
“Bramall has only had 11 premier League games against Oliver 26 and Taylor 31.
“I would have expected one of our top officials to have been appointed to this game.”
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