Incensed Villa send written complaint after Man United fracas regarding the choice of an inexperienced referee.
Incensed Villa to complain over choice of referee for costly defeat at Manchester United.
After the official blew before Morgan Rogers put the ball in the net during their match against Manchester United, Aston Villa will formally complain to the Premier League over why a more seasoned referee than Thomas Bramall was not assigned. According to Unai Emery, this was the “key moment” that lost Villa Champions League qualifying. This meant that the video assistant referee was unable to step in and decide whether the striker had unlawfully kicked the ball from Altay Bayindir’s hands, as Bramall had determined.
Despite having Emi Martínez sent off, Villa was on their way to the Champions League when the incident occurred in the 73rd minute of the Old Trafford match, which was goalless and saw Newcastle lose to Everton. Emery and his staff reacted angrily to Bramall’s decision. Following this, United won 2-0 thanks to goals from Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo, both of which prompted sardonic Emery gestures. The visitors will play in the Europa League the following season after finishing in sixth place.
Damian Vidagany, Villa’s director of football, said: “The complaint is not about the decision. 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.”
Villa later released a statement on X 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 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.