Aston Villa were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United on Sunday in a game which was laced with officiating controversy
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Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
Pundit Alan Shearer has sympathised with all associated with Aston Villa after Morgan Rogers was denied the opening goal at Manchester United on the final day of the season because of a refereeing error - and it was a decision which ultimately led to defeat and Villa missing out on a place in next season's Champions League.
Villa, with ten men after Emiliano Martinez had been sent off in the first half, would've taken the lead if Morgan Rogers' second half goal had stood, but he was adjudged by referee Thomas Bramall to have taken the ball out of the hands of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who he'd deemed to have had the ball under control.
It was a decision which infuriated Unai Emery on the touch-line, and there was no consolation as Villa conceded moments later when United took the lead through Amad Diallo. The hosts doubled their lead late on through Christian Eriksen. Pundit and former striker Shearer, the leading scorer of the Premier League era, understood the complaints.
"You'd be absolutely raging, and rightly so if you're Aston Villa, Unai Emery and the fans," Shearer told MOTD. "It's an error. The ref has blown too early, and once he's blown the whistle then VAR can't intervene.
"It's a huge error. The ramifications as we know...you can see there. For me, the goalkeeper has made an absolute mess of it. He parries it, he has never got control of that ball at any time and Morgan Rogers has got every right to get that ball and get it as he does. I understand the anger, I really do."
"It's a howler," former Villa defender Micah Richards added. "He's not in control of the ball. He's made a mistake and Rogers has pounced on it and it should've been a goal, it's as simple as that.
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"The referees have had enough stick, so we don't want to go too hard on them, but he's made a mistake. For Aston Villa, in this moment, to go so close, it's just not good enough. Referees can make mistakes, but we know that with VAR it gives you the opportunity - so just calm down a little bit."
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The brilliant Aston Villa merchandise that every fan will want to own
Aston Villa fans can celebrate the end of the season and their love of all things claret and blue in style by getting their hands on some limited edition merchandise.
We've taken a look at a few products in the Villa store for those wishing to add a bit of class to their bedroom, homes or maybe a home bar?
These products are available for a limited time and have that wow factor that would be the envy of any supporter.
The first product we spotted is the wonderful Aston Villa 'dream scene' painting.
It depicts the greats of Villa past and present with the likes of Unai Emery sharing a conversation with Ron Saunders, and Peter Withe sharing a joke with Gareth Barry.
The brilliant dressing room scene is available on a 130 x 43cm canvas and comes with a souvenir booklet. There were only 150 of these made to commemorate Villa's 150 year anniversary.
You can buy it here
If you want a cheaper alternative, you could try the 90 x 60cm lithos print of the same scene, again with the booklet and a limited edition piece.
You can buy that here
If you fancy a bit of fun and owning your very own Villa Park, you can with this construction model replica of the stadium.
Complete with club branding, this is fun to assemble and will be the perfect addition to your household or workplace.
You can buy it here
Maybe you'd like to construct a replica of the Villa players and staff bus that they travel to away games in? You can now purchase that from the club shop, by clicking here
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Shirt 24-25 (£55)
The aforementioned blacked-out anniversary kit has proven to be hugely popular with fans, particularly those who have noticed the subtle nods to Villa's history in the details.
Due to the high demand, the club store currently only has kids sizes 7 - 9 years old in stock at a price of £55. This item has an 'almost gone' tag on the site.
Buy here.
Aston Villa adidas 150th Anniversary Track Top - Claret (£70)
This long sleeve track top has also proven to be a popular pick amongst fans. The club store describes the jacket by saying:
"Before football players take the pitch for warmups, they answer questions from the media wearing an adidas jacket like this one."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Hoodie - Navy (£45)
Featuring a retro club badge, this hoodie is still available in all Mens' sizes on the club store, which describes the item by saying "Relax in style and comfort. Featuring the iconic club crest, this is an essential item for fans of all ages."
This item is also available in claret for both men and women, though only in sizes XL and S for women limited stock left.
Buy navy here and claret here.
Aston Villa 150 Years in Pictures Book (£25)
The first of two books available to purchase in Villa's 150th season. The describes the picture book as a way to "Celebrate the storied history of Aston Villa and their illustrious history spanning a century and a half with this premium-quality photo book."
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Book Volume Two (£40)
The long-awaited second volume moves Aston Villa's remarkable story forward – with the ups and downs between 1950 and 2024 given the same care and attention as the first volume.
Buy here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary Polo Shirt - White (£30)
"Represent your club wherever you go. Suitable for matchday and casual wear, the polo is perfect for fans of all ages."
This item is available in all sizes but XS on the club store and is also available for kids in claret at a higher price of £35.
Buy the mens' polo here and the kids' claret polo here.
Aston Villa 150 Year Anniversary T-Shirt - Claret and Navy (£25)
"Suitable for wearing on matchdays and beyond, this is a must-have for supporters of all ages. Perfect for walks with the dog, or when relaxing on holiday, the t-shirt allows you to proudly sport your pride and passion."
Buy mens' claret here, womens' claret here and navy here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Anniversary Scarf - Claret (£15)
"Take the love for your team with you. The scarf tops off your winter look, and is an essential item for supporters."
Buy the scarf here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Badge & Keyring Set - Boxed (£15)
Display the love for your team. Perfect for your hat or scarf, this is a must-have for fans of all ages.
Buy the set here.
Aston Villa 150 Years Mug - 11oz (£8)
"Start your day off right with a drink from this. Whether it's tea, coffee or hot chocolate this mug is perfect for fans to enjoy an exquisite beverage."
Buy the mug here.
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