Premier League explain controversial Villa decision that saw them miss top four
The Premier League has clarified why Aston Villa was controversially denied a goal in their clash with Manchester United, a decision that ultimately cost them a shot at Champions League qualification. Morgan Rogers was adjudged to have fouled keeper Altay Bayindir during the buildup, leading referee Thomas Bramall to blow his whistle.
Despite replays suggesting Bayindir hadn't fully secured the ball, with Rogers pouncing on a fumble, the ref's immediate whistle meant VAR couldn't step in to reverse the call.
The Premier League Match Centre explained: "The referee's call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession. The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR."
Ellen White expressed her astonishment on Final Score, remarking: "If the ref has blown his whistle then VAR can't get involved. Why not let the play carry on like the linesmen do for offside?".
Villa's team and coaching staff were left fuming over the decision, which could have significantly boosted their chances for a spot in the Champions League. Despite their frustration, they struggled to recover from the setback, reports the Mirror.
United promptly capitalised on Villa's troubles, surging to the lead in mere moments. Amad soared to head home a Bruno Fernandes cross while Villa tumbled into sixth, their Champions League dreams dimming.
Christian Eriksen coolly slotted from the spot, bolstering United's advantage after Ian Maatsen clumsily bundled over Amad in the box, which led to Unai Emery sarcastically applauding as the official signalled for Eriksen to take his shot.
Earlier, Emery's side were reduced to 10 men, dealing their Champions League aspirations another hit. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez, aged 32, bolted from his line following a dodgy pass by Matty Cash, crashing into United's Rasmus Hojlund well outside the penalty area.
Martinez was briskly issued his marching orders, earning a red card. The Premier League's own Match Centre account on X soon affirmed: "The referee's call of red card to Martinez for denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR."
Aston Villa's hopes were quashed as they finished sixth after Chelsea clinched a win against Nottingham Forest, confirming their spot in Europe's elite contest. Villa's failure simultaneously granted Newcastle the fifth qualifying place based on their superior goal difference, despite the Magpies suffering a setback at home to Everton when the season wrapped up.
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