\n<\/p>\n
It was initially indicated that Villa would complain to the Premier League, but they later said they had written to PGMOL.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Villa stated their belief a “more experienced referee” should have been appointed to a game “with such high stakes”.<\/p>\n
“Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr Bramall was the second least experienced,” the club said.<\/p>\n
“The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.<\/p>\n
“We acknowledge the outcome will not change, but we believe it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure high-stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating and to ensure the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”<\/p>\n
Bramall first refereed in the Premier League in August 2022 and his games this season have largely been in either the top flight or the second tier, with 11 in the Premier League and 12 in the Championship.<\/p>\n
Villa boss Unai Emery was visibly furious with the decision to disallow Rogers’ goal – and award United their late penalty.<\/p>\n
Speaking after the game, he said: “The TV is clear but, of course, we have to accept it. It was a mistake. A big mistake.”<\/p>\n
The PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) – the body responsible for refereeing games in English professional football – declined to comment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n