Aston Villa’s hopes of a Champions League berth were dashed in controversial fashion at Old Trafford, prompting the club to lodge an official complaint with the Premier League. Their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United may have been sealed by late goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen, but Villa believe it was a single refereeing decision that changed everything.
In a tightly contested match, the defining moment arrived in the 73rd minute. Morgan Rogers appeared to have given Villa a precious lead after wresting the ball from United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. However, referee Thomas Bramall blew for a foul before the ball crossed the line, ruling out what could have been a pivotal goal.