Villa pay big price for 'incredible' ref decision

VILLA captain John McGinn said an “incredible” decision had cost them a Champions League place.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

Unai Emery’s side - reduced to 10 men after keeper Emi Martinez had been sent off in first-half stoppage time - missed out on a top-five spot and will spend next season in the Europa League after Morgan Rogers’ effort was ruled out in the final quarter at Old Trafford.

With the score 0-0, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir did not appear to have control of the ball before Rogers took it away from him. But referee Thomas Bramall had blown for a foul on Bayindir before the ball had reached the net, preventing VAR from getting involved in the incident.

Amad Diallo’s header put United ahead moments later and the departing Christian Eriksen’s late spot-kick sealed victory.

McGinn told TNT Sports: “Tough to take, especially in the circumstances. I don’t think any of us in the dressing room or watching the game felt we deserved to win.

“But the decision is incredible. When VAR came in everyone wanted the correct decisions. You watch rugby, if a try’s given and even the referee's awarded it, and if it's wrong, it's overturned.

“I know it's the rule, I've seen before a couple of times but it’s so hard to take, especially when the impact on the team and the club is so big.

“At that time you're 1-0 up with 20 to go, and all you need is a point to get in the Champions League. It’s a really costly one.”