The Premier League have released a statement on the most controversial call during the last day of the season.
Morgan Rodgers had the ball in the net for Aston Villa after Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir seemed to spill a Harry Maguire header back, but referee Thomas Bramall thought it was a foul.
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Rodgers fumed and so did the whole Villa team, while Villans manager Unai Emery was irate on the touchline.
VAR checked the incident and stood with the official, stopping Villa from taking a 1-0 lead.
The league have now explained why the goal wasn’t awarded, saying: “The referee’s call was a free kick to Manchester United with Bayindir deemed to be in control of the ball before Rogers gained possession.
“The whistle was blown by the referee before the ball entered the goal, therefore the incident was not reviewable by the VAR.”
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And then, just moments later, it was 1-0 the other way as Bruno Fernandes set up Amad Diallo for the eventual opener.
Christian Eriksen then settled a 2-0 win, with the moment incredibly costly for Villa.
The defeat means they miss out on Champions League football next season, with Chelsea’s win over Nottingham Forest pushing them down and helping Newcastle into the final berth in fifth despite the fact the Magpies lost at home to Everton.
Responding to the scenes, former Premier League referee Mike Dean was shocked.
“No chance [Bayindir had full control of the ball],” he said.
“He’s got to keep the ball, it’s hit one hand and then it’s come out of his own accord, he’s done that himself.
“The ball is free and the attacker’s got every right to go for the ball.
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“He hasn’t got control and I think the referee thinks he has, but for me he hasn’t and the goal should be given.
“If the whistle went before the ball hit the back of the net it won’t be given.”
