Ex-PGMOL chief and former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has cast his verdict on the hugely-controversial incident that overshadowed Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday. Villa have complained to referees’ body PMGOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) after official Thomas Bramall ruled out Morgan Rogers’ second-half goal with the scores still level at 0-0.
Villa had been reduced to 10 men earlier in the match when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez clattered into Rasmus Hojlund outside the box at the end of the first half. Despite their one-man disadvantage, Unai Emery’s side thought they’d taken the lead in the 73rd minute when United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir spilled the ball, allowing Rodgers to convert into the unguarded goal. Watch the incident below:
Bramall, taking charge of his 11th Premier League match this season, blew his whistle before Rogers had scored, meaning the incident couldn’t be reviewed by VAR. “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,” the Premier League confirmed. “The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”
Amad Diallo then rubbed salt in Villa’s wounds by putting 15th-placed Man United 1-0 up in the 76th minute, before Christian Eriksen ensured all three points for the hosts at Old Trafford with an 87th-minute penalty. The result means Villa finished the 2024-25 season sixth in the Premier League table, outside of the Champions League places.
Premier League 2024-25 (Final Standings)
Position
1st.
2nd.
3rd.
4th.
5th.
6th.
Aston Villa Release Statement
Confirm they've contacted the PGMOL
Aston Villa manager
“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,” Villa said in a statement released on X (Twitter). “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 2nd 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.”
Keith Hackett's Verdict
Former referee claims 'howler' committed by Bramall
Referee Thomas Bramall
Former FIFA referee Hackett, 80, has now cast his verdict on the incident. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, he said: “The goalkeeper does not have control of the ball. It is loose and the actions of the forward are not dangerous.
“The referee at that point committed a howler by blowing to stop play.”
Hackett added: “He should have waited [for] the outcome and after the goal was scored the situation could then be reviewed by the VAR. Looking at the clip the goal should have been allowed to stand. A huge error by the referee.”
Hackett’s assessment that Bramall committed a “howler” will add further weight to Villa’s argument that they’re the victims of a decision that may have cost them Champions League football - and the huge riches that would have come their way with a second consecutive season in Europe’s premier club cup competition.