Aston Villa fumes over refereeing decision after missing out on Champions League qualification
Aston Villa has been angered by a refereeing decision which the club says was a 'major contributing factor' in missing out on a spot in the Champions League.
The controversial moment in question occurred in the 73rd minute of Villa's game against Manchester United on Sunday, when the final round of Premier League matches took place.
United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır fumbled the ball on the edge of his area, allowing Villa forward Morgan Rogers to take possession and put the ball into the net.
The incident would have given Villa a 1-0 lead, but referee Thomas Bramall judged that Bayındır had been in control of the ball and immediately whistled for a United free-kick, rather than letting play continue. As a result, the goal didn't stand and the incident couldn't be reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR).
'Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the (refereeing body) PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today's game with Manchester United at Old Trafford,' the club said in a statement on Sunday.
'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.'
It added: '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.'
CNN Sports has contacted the PGMOL, which oversees officiating in English soccer, for comment about the incident and on behalf of Bramall. The Premier League declined to comment.
According to Sky Sports, Bramall has officiated 11 Premier League games this season, with 17 referees taking charge of more games.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Villa manager Unai Emery said that Bramall had admitted to him that a mistake was made and that play should have been allowed to continue.
'We have to accept it,' said Emery. 'Of course, it was a mistake, a big mistake.'
Amad Diallo gave United the lead shortly after the incident before Christian Eriksen's penalty in the 87th minute completed a 2-0 victory for the home side.
A draw or win would have seen Villa, which played half the match with 10 men after goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez's red card, finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row.
However, the club will instead play in the second-tier Europa League after placing sixth, level on points with Newcastle United but behind on goal difference.
Qualifying for the Champions League comes with a huge financial boost for clubs. The 36 teams which qualified for last season's competition each earned a payment of around $21.2 million (€18.62 million). By contrast, qualifying for the Europa League is worth around $4.9 million (€4.31 million) to a club.
'It's tough to take, especially in the circumstances,' midfielder John McGinn told TNT Sports. 'I don't think any of us in the dressing room, anyone watching the game, felt like we deserved to win. Man United deserved to win … but the decision is incredible.
He added: 'It's so, so hard to take, especially when the impact it has on us as a team and as a club is so big.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
📹 Watch footage from Ancelotti's first training session with Brazil
📹 Watch footage from Ancelotti's first training session with Brazil It's happening, folks! Carlo Ancelotti led his first activity with the Brazilian National Team this Monday. Check out images of the Italian's first activities in charge of Brazil below. On Monday night, the Champions League-winning duo for Paris Saint-Germain, Marquinhos and Beraldo, and the runner-up with Inter Milan, Carlos Augusto, arrived at the hotel where the delegation is based in São Paulo and joined the group. Advertisement Starting this Tuesday (4), Carlo Ancelotti will have the entire group at his disposal to prepare for the Qualifiers matches. Brazil faces Ecuador away this Thursday (5), and on the 10th, they host Paraguay at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. The team is in fourth place in the Qualifiers, with 21 points, the same as third-place Uruguay and fifth-place Paraguay. Argentina leads with 31 points, followed by Ecuador with 23. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. 📸 NELSON ALMEIDA - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
France Star Admits Inter Milan ‘Sad But Not Angry' After Serie A Title Failure Vs Inter – Adds ‘Not Looking For Revenge' In Champions League Final Vs PSG
France Star Admits Inter Milan 'Sad But Not Angry' After Serie A Title Failure Vs Inter – Adds 'Not Looking For Revenge' In Champions League Final Vs PSG Marcus Thuram says that Inter Milan are 'sad but not angry' after their failure in the Serie A title race against Napoli. The Frenchman spoke in the UEFA Open Media day press conference ahead of the Champions League final, as reported by FCInterNews. He also said Inter are 'not look for revenge' for 2023 against PSG. Advertisement Inter Milan are heading into the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain next Saturday. However, at the same time, the Nerazzurri are also left to reflect on disappointment in Serie A. Inter lost out on the title to Napoli on the final day of the season. Inter had several opportunities to get ahead of the Partenopei in the Serie A table. However, they failed to take advantage of them in the end. Thuram: 'Inter Milan Sad But Not Angry' After Serie A Title Failure' Vs Napoli MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale applauds the fans during the warm-up prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and Feyenoord at Stadio San Siro on March 11, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by) Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram admitted that he was 'sad more than angry.' 'Because we could have won the Scudetto.' Advertisement 'But now it's all behind us,' the French international added. Meanwhile, Thuram called the Champions League final 'a special match.' 'Even more so for me. Because I'm playing against the team I grew up with.' 'I also know some of their players,' noted the Nerazzurri striker. 'Let's hope that we win.' Meanwhile, Thuram had words of praise for his strike partner and Inter's captain Lautaro Martinez. 'He's a leader,' said the 27-year-old. 'It's a privilege to share the pitch with him. And with all the forwards.' Thuram insisted that Inter 'are a great group.' Meanwhile, Thuram admitted that 'my performances haven't been as good over the second half of the season as the first.' Advertisement 'But Inter are in the final. There are ninety minutes to play to win a huge trophy.' Then, Thuram commented that striker Marko Arnautovic 'helps every player' behind the scenes. 'He gave us a big hand on the pitch when Lauti and I were injured. He's scored important goals.' Thuram said that Arnautovic is 'like a big brother to me.' 'He's been an important figure in my growth.' 'He knows Inter,' the Frenchman added. 'He won the Treble here.' Then, Thuram commented that 'I don't think is going to be revenge or a rematch' for the 2023 final. 'We're not playing against City. It's a different season.' 'We don't have to think about it,' the 27-year-old added. 'We want to play our game, as we've done all season.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool planning £55m move for Championship wonderkid
Report: Liverpool Line Up Move for £55m-Rated Championship Starlet Liverpool are showing no signs of slowing down following their Premier League triumph, and the latest report from Anfield Watch suggests Arne Slot is eyeing up one of England's brightest young prospects. Tyler Dibling, Southampton's 19-year-old winger, has emerged as a target for the Reds as they look to reshape their squad with youth, energy and potential. Advertisement This proposed move comes as the club prepares to part with seasoned stars like Luis Diaz and potentially Federico Chiesa, indicating a shift in transfer policy that prioritises homegrown development and long-term planning. Dibling's Profile Fits Slot's Rebuild Slot's philosophy appears built on high tempo, creative wide players, and Dibling ticks many of those boxes. A natural left-footer who operates from the right flank, the teenager made an impression last season despite Southampton's relegation. With two goals and an assist in a limited Premier League campaign, Dibling showed flashes of raw talent that many believe can be moulded into elite-level output. 'Liverpool, Man United and Man City are among the clubs also watching the wonderkid's situation closely ahead of a potential summer swoop,' the original report states, highlighting how in-demand the youngster is. Advertisement His skill set—dribbling, winning fouls, and beating defenders in one-on-one situations—makes him an ideal candidate to eventually fill the sizeable boots of Mohamed Salah. He is under contract at St. Mary's until 2027, but financial pressure and second-tier status might encourage the Saints to cash in. There's no ignoring the headline-grabbing valuation of £55 million. For a player with just a handful of top-flight appearances, it's a bold figure. Yet, in today's market, potential carries a premium. Clubs are now willing to invest heavily in talent they believe can be developed into superstars. Spurs had made a move in January, but failed to close a deal. The same report claims that 'the Europa League winners are reluctant to pay his £55m price tag.' However, Liverpool's ability to spot young talent and nurture it—particularly under their previous regime—means Dibling could view Anfield as the right environment to flourish. The pathway for young British and Irish players at Liverpool has been solidified in recent years. With Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Conor Bradley getting consistent opportunities, Dibling could be next in line. Photo: IMAGO Competition is Fierce for Signature It won't be a free run for Liverpool. Manchester United, Manchester City, and Spurs are all keeping tabs on the teenager's situation. The race is heating up and the player's next move could define his career. Advertisement Nevertheless, the article claims the player 'is reported to favour a move to Anfield.' That preference might swing the pendulum in Liverpool's favour, especially if they can match or come close to Southampton's valuation. If Dibling is truly seen as the long-term successor to Salah, then Liverpool will need to act fast and decisively. The post-Klopp era demands brave decisions—and Slot's willingness to build for the future with marquee youth signings is a promising sign. Squad Reshaping Signals Long-Term Vision With Jeremie Frimpong already on board and Florian Wirtz reportedly next, it's evident that Liverpool's recruitment is targeting versatility, creativity, and explosiveness. Adding Dibling would reinforce the club's wing options, and potentially bring an end to their over-reliance on ageing stars. Advertisement As Anfield Watch outlines, the changes at Anfield this summer are not just about short-term success, but preparing for the future. Dibling may not be the finished product, but the tools are there—and Slot could be the manager to polish them. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, this feels like a clever bit of long-term planning rather than a typical marquee buy. Tyler Dibling might not be a household name just yet, but the raw talent is unmistakable. His performances at Southampton, especially in a struggling side, showed maturity and confidence beyond his years. Many Kopites will agree that a £55m price tag seems hefty for someone with limited top-flight experience. However, in an era where Premier League-ready talent is scarce and expensive, investing early could prove wise—especially with Salah not getting any younger. Advertisement The idea of bringing in a British winger who wants to wear the shirt and develop under the Anfield lights is exciting. Fans will want assurances that Dibling is more than just potential, but Slot's system and Liverpool's track record with youth offers hope. If he does join, it will be interesting to see whether he's thrown in straight away or eased in behind the scenes. Either way, Liverpool fans will back the lad, and if he can make that right wing his own over the next couple of years, £55m could end up looking like a bargain.
