'Big mistake': Unai Emery reacts to major Aston Villa goal controversy against Manchester United | OneFootball

Morgan Rogers’ second-half effort did not stand at Old Trafford, with VAR unable to intervene

Unai Emery was left hugely frustrated after a controversial refereeing decision contributed to Aston Villa’s defeat at Manchester United that cost them a place in next season’s Champions League.

With the score still locked at 0-0 inside the final 20 minutes at Old Trafford, referee Thomas Bramall blew his whistle before the ball went in after Morgan Rogers had dispossessed Altay Bayindir and slotted into an empty net, deeming that a foul had been committed.

It proved to be a huge moment in the game and the thrilling top-five race in general on the final day of the Premier League season, with Villa - who played the whole second half with 10 men after goalkeeper Emi Martinez was sent off just before the break for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund - going on to lose 2-0 as Amad Diallo headed in Bruno Fernandes’ cross less than four minutes later before Christian Eriksen then dispatched a late penalty after Amad was fouled by Ian Maatsen.

A point for Villa would have seen them claim fifth place and the final Champions League qualification spot after Newcastle lost at home to Everton on Sunday, but instead they had to make do with sixth and a slot in next season’s Europa League as the Magpies got a crucial reprieve.

The Premier League Match Centre wrote on social media: “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.”

As reported by The Athletic, Villa plan to make an official complaint to the Premier League after missing out on a second consecutive season in the Champions League, having reached the quarter-finals this term in their first campaign back at Europe’s top level since 1982/83.

Speaking following the game after confronting Bramall, Emery told TNT Sports: “The TV (evidence) is clear but, of course, we have to accept it. It is a big mistake.

"The goal (being) disallowed was the key moment but overall they deserve it more. We were resilient with one player less and we could score one goal. It was a good opportunity to continue being resilient and keep the result.

"I speak to the referee and he knows it (was a mistake). But I don't want to speak about VAR.

"We go to Europa League but we were close to Champions League. Our objective (at the start of the season) was to be in Europe, and we have to be happy and proud with what we did."

Meanwhile, captain John McGinn admitted that under-par Villa deserved to lose the game but still lamented what he described as an “incredible” decision.

"Tough to take, especially in the circumstances. I don't think any of us in the dressing room or watching the game felt we deserved to win,” he told TNT Sports.

"But the decision is incredible. When VAR came in everyone wanted the correct decisions. You watch rugby, if a try's given and even the referee's awarded it, and if it's wrong, it's overturned.

"I know it's the rule, I've seen before a couple of times but it's so hard to take, especially when the impact on the team and the club is so big.

"At that time you're 1-0 up with 20 to go, and all you need is a point to get in the Champions League. It's a really costly one."

On Villa’s planned complaint, director of football Damian Vidagany was quoted as saying by the Press Association: “The complaint is not about the decision.

"The complaint is about the selection of the referee - one of the most inexperienced referees for one of the most difficult matches of the season, involving another four or five teams.

"It's not about the decision. The decision is clear. It's a mistake. The referee apologised for the mistake, so we can do nothing.

"The problem is why the experienced referees, international referees were not here today."