Latest news with #Bramall
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aston Villa's Champions League miss wasn't just about one bad call
A season reduced to a single moment – in Aston Villa's case, perhaps even more than a season. The Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir slid out to gather the ball. He fumbled, slightly, allowing Morgan Rogers to poke the ball away from him. The referee Thomas Bramall thought Bayindir had had the ball under control and blew for a free-kick just before Rogers knocked the ball into the empty net. Replays showed decisively that Bayindir never had the ball under control. But because Bramall had stopped the game before Rogers put the ball over the line, the goal could not be given by the video assistant referee. Three minutes later, Amad Diallo put United ahead, his team went on to win, and Villa finished sixth in the Premier League, meaning they are out of next season's Champions League. Given how close Villa have pushed the line on Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR), that could have significant ramifications. Related: Furious Villa to complain over choice of referee for costly defeat at Manchester United 'The key moment,' said Unai Emery, 'was the goal of Morgan Rogers and how the referee in this moment decided this action'. On Sunday evening, Aston Villa sent a letter to the PGMOL, the body that oversees refereeing in the Premier League, protesting that 'a more experienced referee' had not been appointed and stating that 'a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines'. Which, frankly, from a club that has done so much right in recent seasons, is all a bit embarrassing. Was Bramall's decision wrong? Yes. Was it an understandable error? Also yes: from Bramall's (entirely correct) position, 20 yards away, it's entirely reasonable that he didn't realise Bayindir hadn't claimed a simple ball easily, couldn't see that there was a half inch gap between the ball and the goalkeeper's glove. There are 17 minutes remaining, the game is becoming increasingly edgy, tempers fraying: he thinks he sees a forward going in slightly late on a goalkeeper and kicking the ball out of his hands, so he blows the whistle. Be decisive, control the moment, try to prevent any flare up before it has begun. Much of that sounds like good refereeing – it's just that Bayindir had made an inexplicable mistake. And this is where we run into VAR and the contortions into which it has forced the game. Somehow referees are now being asked not merely to decide whether something is a foul, but to assess in the moment how certain they are it is a foul; and, on that assessment, decide whether to blow the whistle immediately or whether to wait so that there is an opportunity to correct a potential mistake. Do we really want more ghost football, football that might be real but everybody suspects isn't? Taiwo Awoniyi's horror injury should be warning enough of the danger that presents. This was a classic case of a club blaming a referee for their own shortcomings. Was that really the 'key moment' in the game? Or was the key moment the moment just before half-time when Matty Cash underhit a backpass, presenting the ball to Rasmus Højlund, who was then bodychecked by Emi Martínez, earning the goalkeeper an entirely merited red card? And this was Manchester United, a team who have been dreadful all year: maybe if you want to be in the Champions League, just beat them. Villa, of all clubs, should know how refereeing errors can have a major impact, for good or for ill. In 2020, Sheffield United were not awarded a goal against Villa that had clearly crossed the line because bodies in the way meant goalline technology could not function. Without the point that brought Villa, they would have finished below Bournemouth on goal difference and been relegated. Mistakes happen; the key is to put yourself in a position that if they go against you, they don't matter. The consequences of missing out on the top five could be profound. According to the Swiss Ramble Substack, in the last three-year window, Villa complied with PSR by only £12m – and that only after extending their accounting period by a month to take in the sales of Douglas Luiz, Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman. Although this season's Champions League revenue and the £60m sale of Jhon Durán in January will help, the £100m sale of Jack Grealish to Manchester City will no longer count towards the next calculations, while there was a significant investment, at least in terms of wages, in Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, in January. Martínez has already been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but he may not be the only significant departure this summer as Villa battle to comply with PSR. Swiss Ramble suggests they have probably already breached Uefa's squad cost control limits, although the sanctions for that are less severe. Villa will be among the favourites for next season's Europa League, a competition Emery has already won three times, but there will have to be retrenchment. The rise of a club cruelly checked by a refereeing mistake? That's how it will be portrayed, but if you sail that close to the wind, and leave the achievement of your objectives to the final 15 minutes of the season, there will always be the danger of events intervening. This is an extract from Soccer with Jonathan Wilson, a weekly look from the Guardian US at the game in Europe and beyond. Subscribe for free here. Have a question for Jonathan? Email soccerwithjw@ and he'll answer the best in a future edition.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bramall appointed 'on merit'
Former Premier League referee Chris Foy said Thomas Bramall's decision on Sunday was an "unfortunate incident" but that many referees "would have given a foul in that situation". Bramall blew for a foul when Morgan Rogers nudged the ball away from Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before the Villa midfielder put the ball in the net. Bramall thought Bayindir had two hands on the ball, though television footage suggested otherwise, and because he stopped play before the ball crossed the line, the video assistant referee (VAR) could not intervene. Foy told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club he was "impressed" by Bramall's showing in Manchester City's 3-1 win over Bournemouth on 20 May - a match that featured a straight red card for each side. Foy added: "He's been given the [Villa] game on merit, he was worthy of his appointment. "Unfortunately we're talking about one decision because he made a really good decision to send the goalkeeper off and took his time to give the penalty. "He was going really well but unfortunately we're talking about this one decision." Former Villa goalkeeper Shay Given said Bramall will "learn" and "grow" from this situation. "Let's not forget Thomas Bramall is a human being," he added. "I find it more difficult when VAR with all different angles make wrong decisions. This guy has just made a human error, it's more forgivable." Listen to the Monday Night Club's discussion on the incident on BBC Sounds
United News of India
26-05-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Aston Villa issue complaint after refereeing big mistake
London, May 26 (UNI) Aston Villa have complained to referees' body Professional Game Match Officials Limited after a "big mistake" by official Thomas Bramall contributed to them losing 2-0 at Manchester United and missing out on the Champions League. With the match goalless and Villa down to 10 men after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was correctly sent off, the visitors thought Morgan Rogers had given them the lead. Rogers nudged the ball away from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as he attempted to gather and slotted home. However, Bramall blew for a foul, thinking Bayindir had two hands on the ball, though television footage showed otherwise. Because Bramall stopped play before the ball entered the net, the video assistant referee (VAR) could not intervene. Moments later, Amad Diallo headed United in front - and Christian Eriksen's late penalty condemned Villa to a defeat that meant they finished sixth and missed out on Champions League football on goal difference, the BBC reported. In Villa's post-match news conference, director of football operations Damian Vidagany said the club were unhappy 35-year-old Bramall had been given such an important game. "We are going to send a complaint," said Vidagany. "The complaint is not about the decision, it is about the selection of the referee - one of the most inexperienced referees in the Premier League. "It's not about the decision, clearly it was a mistake. The complaint is about the referee. The problem is why the international referees were not here today." It was initially indicated that Villa would complain to the Premier League, but they later said they had written to PGMOL. Villa stated their belief a "more experienced referee" should have been appointed to a game "with such high stakes". "Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Bramall was the second least experienced," the club said. "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. "We acknowledge the outcome will not change, but we believe it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure high-stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective." Bramall first refereed in the Premier League in August 2022 and his games this season have largely been in either the top flight or the second tier, with 11 in the Premier League and 12 in the Championship. Villa manager Unai Emery was visibly furious with the decision to disallow Rogers' goal - and award United their late penalty. Speaking after the game, he said: "The TV is clear but, of course, we have to accept it. It was a mistake. A big mistake." UNI BM
Rhyl Journal
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Aston Villa file complaint over choice of referee for Man Utd clash
Unai Emery's men struggled at Old Trafford and life was made harder by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez's sending-off just before half-time, yet they looked to have taken the lead through Morgan Rogers in the 73rd minute. United's back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir did not have the ball in control when it was taken out of his hands by the Villa man, but referee Thomas Bramall had blown for a foul before his strike found the net. The Premier League match centre confirmed 'the incident was not reviewable by the VAR' as 'the whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal' – a body blow quickly followed by Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen strikes. Villa's 2-0 defeat saw them finish sixth and miss out on Champions League qualification, with the club later confirming they had lodged a complaint with the Premier League. '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 second least experienced,' a statement said. 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… — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 25, 2025 '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.' The statement added: 'Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe 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.' Villa director of football Damian Vidagany said: 'The complaint is not about the decision. 'The complaint is about the selection of the referee – one of the most inexperienced referees for one of the most difficult matches of the season, involving another four or five teams. 'The decision is clear. It's a mistake. The referee apologised for the mistake, so we can do nothing. #MUNAVL – 72' 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. — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) May 25, 2025 'The problem is why the experienced referees, international referees were not here today.' The Professional Game Match Officials Board had no comment to make when contacted by the PA news agency. Villa boss Emery, who walked off the field talking to referee Bramall, said: 'We scored one goal and normally this goal, if the referee was under his control, to wait before whistling for this action, I think it (would have been) a goal after VAR. 'But we are making mistakes, the players are making mistakes and the referees, sometimes they are making mistakes. 'We have to accept it. We lost and we didn't deserve more.' Villa only needed a point to secure Champions League football next season as Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Everton. Captain John McGinn told TNT Sports: 'It's tough to take, especially in the circumstances. 'I don't think any of us in the dressing room, anyone watching the game, felt like we deserved to win. Man United were the better team, they were on the front foot and missed loads of chances. But the decision is incredible. 'I think everyone, when VAR was implemented, wanted the correct decisions – if it's offside, be offside. 'You watch rugby, if a try is given, even if the referee's awarded it, if it's wrong it's overturned. 'So, I know it's the rule, I've seen it a couple of times, but it is so, so hard to take, especially with the impact it has on us. As a team and as a club it's so big. 'So for Thomas to blow his whistle at that point, it's really, really tough to take. 'I don't think we deserved to win the game but at that point you're one-up with 20 (minutes) to go and all you need is a point to get in the Champions League. It's a really costly one.'
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First Post
26-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Villa lodge complaint over refereeing 'mistake' in 0-2 loss against United: 'A more experienced referee should have...'
Aston Villa contended that referee Thomas Bramall's decision to disallow a goal Morgan Rogers' 73rd minute goal in their final Premier League game of the season against Manchester United at Old Trafford cost them a place in the next season of the UEFA Champions League. read more Aston Villa have lodged a complaint with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) accusing referee Thomas Bramall of potentially costing them a place in the next season of the UEFA Champions League with a 'mistake' during their final Premier League match of the season, against Manchester United on Sunday. Attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers appeared to have put Villa in the lead and on the path to the next season of the Champions League with a 73rd minute goal at the Old Trafford during the season's final round of fixtures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bramall, however, decided to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after Rogers appeared to have kicked the ball out of Altay Bayindir's possession when the United keeper was on the verge of collecting the ball for a goal kick. More from Football The referee eventually ruled in favour of the 'Red Devils' by disallowing the goal, which did not go down too well with Villa manager Unai Emery and the rest of the club. Villa have since labelled the decision as a 'major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.' A more experienced referee should have been picked, Villa write in complaint What's interesting to note, however, is that Villa's complaint isn't focused on the decision itself but on the referee who had been assigned the match at Old Trafford. '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,' read a statement from Aston Villa. '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 second least experienced. '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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD '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,' the statement added. Ruben Amorim's side, which had finished runners-up at the UEFA Europa League with a 1-0 loss against fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, would break the deadlock a little over a minute later thanks to an Amad Diallo header. Christian Eriksen ensured United ended their worst season in over five decades on a winning note by scoring from the spot with three minutes left in regular time after defender Ian Maatsen was found to have stepped on Diallo's ankle just inside the box. As a result of their 0-2 loss at United's home ground, Villa finished level on 66 points with Newcastle United. Newcastle, however, finished ahead of them at fifth, the last Champions League spot, due to a superior Goal Difference (21) compared to that of the 'Villans' (7), who had to contend with qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Villa had finished inside the top-10 at the end of the league phase of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League and had gone as far as the quarter-finals, where they bowed out with a narrow 4-5 aggregate defeat against Paris Saint-Germain – the team that would later beat Arsenal in the semi-finals and faces Inter Milan in the final in Munich on 1 June.
