Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 26 May 2025 18:01, UK

Aston Villa have been backed to sue after they and Unai Emery were left furious at having a goal disallowed against Man United.

The season-defining clash was shrouded in controversy on the stroke of half-time as Emi Martinez was sent off for a challenge on Rasmus Hojlund, though ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett is not sure about the decision.

However, that was not the biggest talking point as Morgan Rogers’ goal was disallowed at Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 May, with Altay Bayindir deemed to be in control of a loose ball.

While VAR might have had something else to say about the free-kick given in Man United‘s favour, referee Thomas Bramall blew the whistle too early, meaning the technology was unable to intervene.

The Villans were still drawing 0-0 at this point, and even playing with 10 men, Emery’s side could have gone on to secure all three points, and in the process, Champions League qualification for next season.

Missing out on the elite European competition has likely cost the club many millions of pounds, and Richard Keys believes Villa should engage in legal action for the poor officiating.

Aston Villa to sue after Morgan Rogers’ disallowed goal

Writing on his personal blog (26 May), Keys said: “I say Bramall’s error was compounded by his mates because as he disallowed the goal, VAR was immediately cut to line. Why?

“Didn’t they know Bramall had whistled before the ball was in the net? The answer is ‘no’ – they didn’t. I guarantee you a tech operator pointed it out.

“Bramall’s clanger has cost Villa something like £150m. I’d consider suing if I were at the club. The mistake wasn’t a matter of opinion. It was a matter of fact.”

PSR issues to emerge at Villa Park after missing out on Champions League

Football Insider verdict

Youri Tielemans had already been linked with a Villa exit amid concerns about Premier League punishments due to the club’s overspending and overall spending loss.

That was before the Villans missed out on Champions League football, but after many supporters felt that they were cheated out of the result, Keys clearly feels that the club deserve reimbursement.

If the Villans do break PSR regulations, the Premier League will likely punish the club with a points deduction, similar to the one they avoided by selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus last summer.

Villa will believe that someone needs to take the blame, but while Bramall is the one who made the decisions on the day, he was put in charge by Howard Webb, knowing full well his inexperience at the top level.

The Premier League is known for its unwanted and frustrating apologies to clubs following refereeing and VAR mistakes, but that will not cut it on this occasion after Villa missed out on Champions League qualification.