Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Fri 10 April 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers was certain of a penalty call in the 3-1 win over Bologna on Thursday.

The England international started as the Villans travelled to Stadio Renato Dall’Ara for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

It was a largely frustrating evening for the 23-year-old as he was afforded limited chances on the ball to make a difference.

He had one effort whistle just past the post, but for the most part, he was left to feed on scraps against the Serie A side.

Villa may have beaten Bologna, but a penalty claim was certainly on the agenda for the claret and blue outfit.

Keith Hackett agrees with Morgan Rogers call vs Bologna

The Villans have gone what feels like forever since their last penalty, and that is because it has been a long while.

Donyell Malen, who has played on loan at Roma for three months, was the last to net from 12 yards for the claret and blue outfit.

That has become somewhat of a running joke among the supporters in B6, as they feel a penalty won’t be given to the Villans any time soon.

Rogers has every reason to link into that way of thinking after being brought down by Federico Bernardeschi inside the penalty area.

Referee Sandro Scharer waved away the penalty call, and now former referee Keith Hackett has revealed he agrees with the decision.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Hackett said: “I can fully understand why the referee decided not to award a penalty kick.

“The forward in my opinion has gone to ground so easily.

“The referee has called this correctly.”

Villa secured a massive 3-1 win against Bologna, but there is still a reason for the B6 outfit to feel somewhat frustrated at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

How did Rogers perform for Aston Villa vs Bologna?

The Englishman could have won a penalty for the B6 outfit, and that certainly would have been a much-needed plus point on a difficult night.

Rogers managed just 27 touches throughout an 88-minute cameo as he managed an expected goal tally of just 0.07.

Just eight of his attempted passes were accurate, while only 50 per cent of his shots required a save from Federico Ravaglia.

All this is made worse by his zero defensive actions and 10 failed duels as he committed three fouls on the night in Italy.

Not his finest night, leaving Rogers with a point to prove in the return leg at Villa Park.