Summary
Aston Villa has complained about a referee's mistake during their game against Manchester United, which they lost 2-0. The referee's decision to stop play meant a goal was not counted, affecting Villa's chance to qualify for the Champions League. The referee in question, Thomas Bramall, is considered one of the less experienced Premier League referees.
Key Facts
- Aston Villa lost 2-0 to Manchester United, affecting their Champions League hopes.
- Referee Thomas Bramall stopped play before a potential Villa goal, thinking the goalkeeper had control of the ball.
- The video assistant referee (VAR) couldn't review the play because it was stopped before the ball crossed the line.
- Villa is concerned about Bramall's lack of experience in such an important match.
- Thomas Bramall became a Premier League referee in August 2022.
- Of referees in the final Premier League round, Bramall had the second-fewest top-flight matches this season.
- Keith Hackett, a former head referee, criticized the decision to appoint Bramall for the game.
- PGMOL, the referees' body, does not publicly explain why referees are assigned to specific matches.
