Novice ref was a bad call - but Villa were the worst offenders

VILLA narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification on Sunday night after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

The result alone didn’t capture the full story of what was a dramatic final day in the Premier League.

Villa were reduced to 10 men late in the first half when keeper Emi Martinez was sent off. Moments earlier, Morgan Rogers had a perfectly legal goal controversially ruled out - a goal that would likely have secured the club a place in the top five.

Newcastle United lost 1-0 at home to Everton, meaning Villa only needed to avoid defeat. But after a costly refereeing error by Thomas Bramall, which denied Rogers’ goal, Villa conceded twice and their Champions League hopes slipped away.

Scandalous decision costs Villa

Just minutes after Rogers thought he had put Villa ahead, Amad Diallo opened the scoring for United with a header from Bruno Fernandes’ cross. Christian Eriksen then doubled the hosts’ lead late on after Ian Maatsen fouled Amad in the box.

Replays clearly showed that United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır did not have two hands on the ball when Rogers scored. Bramall, despite having a clear view, blew the whistle. VAR couldn’t intervene once the play was stopped.

It was a basic refereeing error that should never happen, especially not on a day of such consequence.

Rogers was replaced by Donyell Malen in the 84th minute, with Villa trailing 1-0. After applauding the travelling Villa fans tucked into the corner, Rogers - visibly furious - had a few choice words to say to fourth official Bobby Madley before taking a seat on the bench.