The Premier League has explained the controversial decision to deny Aston Villa a goal against Manchester United during their crucial match on Sunday.
Morgan Rogers was deemed to have fouled goalkeeper Altay Bayindir in the build-up, with referee Thomas Bramall immediately blowing his whistle before Rogers found the net.
The decision proved pivotal in a match that ultimately damaged Villa's Champions League aspirations, with Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen netting for the hosts.
Replays of the incident appeared to show that Bayindir had failed to collect the ball securely in his hands, with Rogers taking advantage of what seemed to be a loose ball. However, the referee had already sounded his whistle before the Villa star was able to find the net.
The Premier League has explained the controversial decision to deny Aston Villa a goal against Manchester United during their crucial match on Sunday
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This immediate stoppage of play proved crucial to the outcome of the decision, as it prevented any potential VAR intervention.
The Premier League Match Centre issued a statement explaining the decision: "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."
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HUGE controversy at Old Trafford 🤯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 25, 2025
The whistle blows for a foul as Rogers challenges Bayindir, but did the whistle go too early, as Bayindir didn't look to have gathered the ball...👀
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/AdsMqBusls
This clarification highlighted the crucial timing issue that prevented any technological intervention in what became a match-defining moment.
Former England striker Ellen White expressed disbelief at how events unfolded during the match. Speaking on Final Score, she questioned the referee's decision-making: "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 woes were compounded as United quickly capitalised on the controversial decision.
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Amad headed home from a Bruno Fernandes cross shortly after the disallowed goal, pushing Villa down to sixth place and out of Champions League contention.
The hosts later doubled their advantage when Ian Maatsen fouled Amad inside the area. Eriksen converted the resulting penalty, prompting sarcastic clapping from Villa manager Unai Emery as the referee pointed to the spot.
Emery's side had already suffered a significant blow to their Champions League hopes earlier in the match when goalkeeper Emi Martinez was sent off.
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The 32-year-old Argentine charged out of his goal following a weak pass from teammate Matty Cash and took out United striker Rasmus Hojlund well outside his area, reducing Villa to ten men.
The defeat and controversial decisions ultimately cost Villa a place in Europe's elite competition.
Christian Eriksen scored a penalty as Manchester United beat Aston Villa 2-0 on Sunday
PAThe result means Villa have finished sixth.
As for United, the fallen giants ended the season in 15th after Tottenham were thumped by Brighton.
