It could have huge consequences
Fans are convinced they have seen the worst decision of the season as Aston Villa were denied an opening goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa were convinced they had secured Champions League football for the second consecutive season after Morgan Rogers appeared to nick the ball away from United goalkeeper Atlay Bayinder and put the ball in the net.
However, referee Thomas Bramall had already blown his whistle for a foul on the United shot stopper before the ball had crossed the line making VAR redundant.
Upon replay, the Turkish international clearly didn’t have the ball in both hands meaning VAR would likely have overruled Bramall’s on field decision.
With Newcastle United behind to Everton, a Villa goal would have put Unai Emery’s side inside the top five of the Premier League.
Following the controversy United went on to score two quick fire goals through Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen, condemning Villa to Europa League football for the 25/26 season.
Fans showed their disgust over the decision on social media.
One fan wrote: “Absolutely shockingly poor from the officials!! A homer decision if I’m ever seen on… awful the standard of officiating in the Premier League.”
Another added: “How is that a foul? Why didn’t the ref go watch a replay? Surely with millions on the line for Champions league football it’s the least the ref should be doing.”
Following the incident, the Premier League match centre have released the following statement: “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.”
