CNN
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Aston Villa was upset by the referee’s decision to say the club is a “major contributor” by missing out on a Champions League location.
The controversial moment in question happened in the 73rd minute of the Villa match against Manchester United on Sunday, when the Premier League match was played.
United goalkeeper Altay Bayındır groped for the ball at the edge of his area and was able to net the ball, owned by Villa Forward Morgan Rogers.
The incident would have given Villa a 1-0 lead, but umpire Thomas Bramal decided that Berundir had control of the ball and was quickly blown away for a unified free kick. As a result, the target was unbearable and the incident could not be reviewed by the Video Assistant Judge (VAR).
“Aston Villa can confirm what the club has written to (referee) PGMOL and raise concerns about the official selection process for today’s post-match match against Manchester United at Old Trafford,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
“This high interest surrounding today’s equipment makes the club believe that a more experienced referee should be appointed. Of the 10 referees in the entire Premier League today, Bramar was the second most experienced.”
“In the end, we acknowledge that our outcomes will remain the same, but we believe it is important to address the way we choose.
CNN Sports contacted PGMOL, which oversees the host in British football, commenting on the incident and on Bramall’s behalf. The Premier League declined to comment.
According to Sky Sports, Bramall hosts 11 Premier League matches this season, with 17 referees taking on more games.
In an interview with TNT Sports, Villa Manager Unai Emery said that Bramall admitted to him that a mistake had occurred and that the play should have been allowed to continue.
“We have to accept that,” Emery said. “Of course, that was a mistake, and a huge mistake.”
Amado Diallo gave United the lead shortly after the incident before a penalty from Christian Eriksen in the 87th minute, completing a 2-0 home victory.
The draw and victory would have seen Villa, who played half a match against 10 men after a red card from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
However, the club will instead play in the second tier Europa League after finishing sixth in points with Newcastle United and falling behind in goal differences.
The Champions League qualifiers offer a major financial boost for the club. The 36 teams that competed in last season each received payments of approximately $21.2 million (1,862 million euros). In contrast, Europa League qualifiers are worth around $4.9 million (4.31 million euros) for the club.
“It’s difficult to take, especially in situations,” midfielder John McGinn told TNT Sports. “None of us in the dressing room feel that anyone watching the game deserves to win. Man United deserved to win…but the decision is incredible.
He added: “It’s very difficult, especially when the impact is so big as a team and as a club.”