Morgan Rogers was denied a goal in Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United after a controversial decision ruled out his opener for a foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Villa came into the match knowing they needed to defeat Ruben Amorim’s men to secure a spot in the Champions League next season and thought they had gone ahead, following Emiliano Martinez’s red card, only for Rogers’ effort to be chalked off.
The attacking midfielder took the ball away from Bayindir, who did not have control of it, rounded the goalkeeper and scored but referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball entered the goal.
That meant that his on-field decision of a foul committed by Rogers could not be reviewed by the VAR and it resulted in the goal being scrapped and Villa’s lead wiped out.
The controversy was also addressed by Villa’s captain John McGinn who spoke after the match saying: “It’s tough to take [missing out on Champions League] especially in the circumstances.
“I don’t think any of us in the dressing room, felt like we deserved to win. Man Utd deserved to win, they were the better team, on the front foot and missed loads of chances but the decision is incredible.
“I think everyone, when VAR was implemented, wanted the correct decisions. You watch rugby and if there’s a try, even if the referee’s awarded it if it’s wrong it’s overturned, if it’s right the try is given.
“I know it’s the rule, I’ve seen it a couple of times but it’s hard to take especially as the impact it has on us as a team and a club is so big. For Thomas to blow his whistle at that point is tough to take and to handle.
“I don’t think we deserved to win but at that point you’re one up with 20 [minutes] to go, all you need is a point to get into the Champions League, it’s a costly [decision].”
On commentary duties for TNT Sports, Ally McCoist was adamant that the goal should stand. He said: “That’s a goal. I’m telling you right now, that’s a goal. The ball is out his [Bayindir’s] hands when he [Rogers] kicks it. It must be a goal. I reckon when Rogers touches the ball to knock it through it isn’t in the goalkeeper’s hands. It’s got to be a goal.”
Manchester United’s worst season in 51 years ended with Amad Diallo’s header and the departing Christian Eriksen’s spot-kick sealing a 2-0 victory after Rogers’ goal was ruled out.
The defeat meant that Newcastle finished above Villa in the league table and took the final Champions League spot with Unai Emery’s men finishing sixth and heading for the Europa League next season.
Controversial Decision Denies Rogers as Aston Villa Miss Out on Champions League
Morgan Rogers saw a crucial goal ruled out in Aston Villa’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United, after a contentious refereeing decision disallowed his opener for an alleged foul on goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Villa entered the high-stakes clash needing a win to secure their place in next season’s Champions League, but an early red card for Emiliano Martinez and a disallowed goal derailed their hopes. Rogers looked to have given his side the lead after reacting quickly to Bayindir’s error—taking the loose ball, rounding the keeper, and finishing calmly into an empty net.
However, referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle for a foul before the ball crossed the line, ruling that Rogers had unfairly challenged the goalkeeper. Because of the early whistle, VAR was unable to review the incident, meaning the on-field decision stood and the goal was wiped off.
Villa Captain John McGinn Reflects on Costly Call
Following the match, Villa captain John McGinn voiced his disappointment, not just at the result, but at the manner in which their Champions League dream slipped away.
“It’s tough to take [missing out on Champions League] especially in the circumstances.
I don’t think any of us in the dressing room, felt like we deserved to win. Man Utd deserved to win, they were the better team, on the front foot and missed loads of chances but the decision is incredible.
I think everyone, when VAR was implemented, wanted the correct decisions. You watch rugby and if there’s a try, even if the referee’s awarded it if it’s wrong it’s overturned, if it’s right the try is given.
I know it’s the rule, I’ve seen it a couple of times but it’s hard to take especially as the impact it has on us as a team and a club is so big. For Thomas to blow his whistle at that point is tough to take and to handle.
I don’t think we deserved to win but at that point you’re one up with 20 [minutes] to go, all you need is a point to get into the Champions League, it’s a costly [decision].”
TNT’s Ally McCoist Calls It: “That’s a Goal”
On commentary duty for TNT Sports, Ally McCoist was quick to criticize the referee’s decision, firmly stating that the goal should have stood.
“That’s a goal. I’m telling you right now, that’s a goal. The ball is out his [Bayindir’s] hands when he [Rogers] kicks it. It must be a goal. I reckon when Rogers touches the ball to knock it through it isn’t in the goalkeeper’s hands. It’s got to be a goal.”
Final Day Drama Ends in Disappointment for Villa
After the disallowed goal, Villa’s hopes unraveled. Amad Diallo broke the deadlock with a header before Christian Eriksen, making his final appearance for Manchester United, converted a penalty to seal the victory.
The loss marked Manchester United’s worst league campaign in over five decades, yet it was Villa who suffered the most in the standings. The result meant that Newcastle leapfrogged them into fourth place, clinching the final Champions League spot. Unai Emery’s side finished sixth and will instead compete in the Europa League next season.
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