Aston Villa will lodge an official complaint with the Premier League about why a more experienced referee than Thomas Bramall was not appointed for their game at Manchester United after the official blew before Morgan Rogers put the ball in the net. This meant the video assistant referee could not intervene to rule on whether the forward had illegally kicked the ball from Altay Bayindir’s hands – as Bramall judged – and Unai Emery claimed later that this was the “key moment” that cost Villa Champions League qualification.
The incident happened in the 73rd minute with the game at Old Trafford goalless and as Newcastle were losing to Everton, Villa – despite having had Emi Martínez sent off – were heading for the Champions League. Bramall’s ruling caused a furious reaction from Emery and his staff. After this Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen goals – each provoking sarcastic Emery gestures – gave United a 2-0 win. The visitors ended in sixth and so will play Europa League football next season.
