Aston Villa’s frustration at missing out on Champions League qualification has now triggered a second formal complaint to the PGMOL – this time from former striker Gabby Agbonlahor.
Villa fell to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season.
A result that saw them edged out by Newcastle United for fifth place on goal difference.
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Unai Emery’s side appeared to have taken the lead at Old Trafford when Morgan Rogers found the net.
Only for referee Thomas Bramall to blow his whistle prematurely for a foul on United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Bayindir did not appear to have full control of the ball.
However due to the early whistle – which came before Rogers’ shot crossed the line, VAR could not intervene.
A point would have been enough to send Villa into the Champions League.
Instead, moments after the disallowed goal, United took the lead through Amad Diallo before Christian Eriksen sealed the win from the penalty spot.
Aston Villa quickly submitted a formal complaint to the PGMOL, criticising Bramall’s early whistle and his appointment for such a high-stakes fixture.
“Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed.
“Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the 2nd least experienced.
“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.
“As per the standards that have been established over the course of the season, a decision to whistle early is clearly inconsistent with current refereeing guidelines.
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“VAR exists to ensure that these types of situations receive the scrutiny they deserve.
“Unfortunately, the technology was not allowed to serve its purpose.
“Ultimately, we acknowledge that the outcome for us will not change, but we believe that it is important to address the selection methodology to ensure that high stakes matches are treated as such with regards to officiating.
“And to ensure that the implemented VAR technology is allowed to be effective.”
Adding to the growing backlash, Gabby Agbonlahor released a passionate open letter to the officiating body.
Gabby Agbonlohar slams PGMOL after costly error
The former Villa striker claimed the decision cost the club £100 million, hampered their battle with PSR regulations, and ruined their hopes of attracting top talent next season.
“You have also destroyed Aston Villa’s chance to play Champions League football again,” Agbonlahor wrote.
“Which would attract bigger talent and help us keep our better players.”
He questioned the consistency in refereeing guidelines, slammed the standard of officials in the Premier League.
As well as calling for ex-players to be included in VAR decision-making moving forward.
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“For crying out loud Howard [Webb] please use ex-players for VAR decisions next season,” Agbonlahor added.
“Finally do not, I repeat, do not reply with a pathetic apology.”
The PGMOL has yet to respond to either complaint.
Aston Villa will instead compete in the Europa League next season, though the controversy surrounding their Old Trafford loss is unlikely to fade quickly.
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