Aston Villa
(Credit: Imago)
Keith Hackett
Mon 26 May 2025 11:40, UK
Aston Villa were the subject of the latest round of terrible officiating in the Premier League against Manchester United.
Needing to better the result of Newcastle or Chelsea to secure Champions League football, the Villans crashed to a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.
With Everton winning at St James’ Park, it makes it harder to accept following a red card for Emi Martinez and Thomas Bramall, wrongly disallowing a Morgan Rogers goal that would have put Villa ahead.
The referee blew for a foul before the ball hit the net, meaning VAR could not intervene, as Rogers nipped ahead of Altay Bayindir to score.
Morgan Rogers Aston Villa
Rogers could not believe it at Old Trafford (credit: Imago)
Premier League get official Aston Villa statement wrong
The Premier League were quick to release an announcement on the decision, saying Bayindir was “deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession.”
Keith Hackett has gone against the statement, arguing that the goalkeeper clearly didn’t have control of the ball at Old Trafford.
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Speaking exclusively to Villa News, the ex-PGMOL chief and FIFA referee was not happy with what he was reading from the Premier League.
“This statement is not factual,” Hackett said.
“The goalkeeper never had control of the ball.”
Unai Emery
Emery was raging with Bramall (Credit: Imago)
Unai Emery right to call it out
After sarcastically clapping decisions and waiting for the officials at the tunnel, it is said that Emery could face retrospective action from the FA.
The Spaniard was calm in his interview, though, and has to be applauded, with Villa later confirming they had contacted the PGMOL with their concerns.
Bramall went against VAR protocols to let play continue before bringing it back and making it available for review, and an explanation must be given for that.
Position Goal Difference Points
6 7 66
Aston Villa have qualified for the Europa League
Qualification for the Europa League is still positive for the Villans, but after a taste of Champions League success this season and the financial reward it brings, it is hard to accept in these circumstances.
Things move quickly in football, but this one will be hard to forget any time soon.
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