Richard Keys blasts PGMOL for what they’ve done after £150m Aston Villa mistake
Richard Keys is still baffled as Manchester United beat Aston Villa in the 2024/25 Premier League season’s final fixture.
Unai Emery’s team needed a draw at Old Trafford on 25 May to qualify for the Champions League, but ended up losing 2-0 after goals from Amd Diallo and Christian Eriksen.
Before the Red Devils scored, the Villans thought they’d taken the lead after Morgan Rogers stole the ball from Altay Bayindir, which Thomas Bramall ruled out as he deemed the goalkeeper was impeded, but there is consensus among many that the goal should’ve stood.
VAR was unable to review the decision at Old Trafford as the referee had blown his whistle before the ball went into the back of the net, and PGMOL have been told to break their silence.
PGMOL silence slammed after Aston Villa controversy v Man United
Keys has slammed PGMOL for their continued silence after Bramall’s error at Old Trafford.
The veteran sports broadcaster has demanded answers from the officials as to why the relatively inexperienced referee was appointed for such a crucial fixture that may have cost the Lions £150million in commercial revenue.
| Premier League table (2024/25) | Points |
| 1. Liverpool | 84 |
| 2. Arsenal | 74 |
| 3. Manchester City | 71 |
| 4. Chelsea | 69 |
| 5. Newcastle United | 66 |
| 6. Villa | 66 |
Keys wants the PGMOL to give their opinion on the matter and listen to criticism after the monumental error in the game between the Villans and Man United.
The BeIN Sports broadcaster wrote on X (30 May): “Still nothing from the PGMOL on Thomas Bramall’s £150m mistake at Old Trafford. Or why he was appointed to such a crucial game. Don’t they think it was an error? Have they closed down all UK criticism? It would be nice to know.”
Emery will look forward to Europa League at Villa Park
Villa have every right to be disappointed after Bramall’s error at Old Trafford potentially cost them a place in next season’s Champions League.
Emery wasn’t helped by Emi Martinez’s red card in the first half against Ruben Amorim’s team, but they still managed to keep the Red Devils at bay for a considerable period.
Newcastle United ended up losing their game against Everton at St James’ Park, and a point in Manchester would’ve been enough for the Villans.
Villa will now compete in the Europa League after finishing sixth in the English top flight, in what has been a mixed season for them.
While supporters were pleased to see the Lions make progress in the Champions League, their domestic form seemed to suffer.
Some fans may be looking forward to next season, though, as they’ll feel the Birmingham club could have a chance of winning European silverware.
Emery has won the Europa League four times as a manager, thrice with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.
The Spanish head coach will undoubtedly be confident he can do the same with the Villans, and what the future holds remains to be seen.