Aston Villa coach, Unai Emery was unable to contain his disappointment towards referee, Thomas Bramall who disallowed Morgan Rogers’ goal against Manchester United when they lost 0-2 at Old Trafford, Sunday (25/5/2025).
The away match in the final week of the Premier League is a deciding match for Villa. The Villans must win to secure a Champions League ticket.
Despite playing with 10 men after goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was given a red card towards the end of the first half, the match scenario seemed to be heading towards Villa. This is because the away team was able to break through the Red Devils’ goal in the 73rd minute.
Altay Bayindir’s mistake was exploited by Morgan Rogers to score a goal into the empty Man United goal. However, the goal was disallowed by the referee.
Referee Thomas Bramall blew the whistle to indicate a violation just as Rogers managed to steal the ball that Bayindir was trying to secure. As a result, this decision made the situation before the goal could not be reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee.
Unai Emery was furious on the sidelines. Moreover, after that Villa’s goal was broken into twice by Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen.
Emery’s annoyance was still peaking. That was also what made the Spanish coach wait for the referee near the corridor to the players’ dressing room after the match.
Emery was seen on camera having a serious conversation with Bramall. The former Arsenal and Sevilla coach spoke with Bramall for quite a long time while walking to the dressing room.
The referee’s negligence was considered detrimental to Villa. Unai Emery and his team failed to advance to the Champions League because they only finished sixth in the final Premier League standings.
Villa, who collected 66 points, lost on goal difference to Newcastle United who secured fifth place. The Magpies were unable to add to their points because when playing at home they lost 0-1 to Everton.
Image source: kompas.com