Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sun 10 May 2026 15:15, UK

The Premier League have released an explanation as to why Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins‘ goal was disallowed against Burnley.

The England hopeful thought he had scored his 12th league goal of the season and equalised the contest at Turf Moor on 10 May.

However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled the header out, with the help of the video assistant referee, chalking the equaliser off.

Villa would eventually get back into the contest through Ross Barkley but it was a frustrating moment for the Villans.

Unai Emery and his Villa side have now received clarification from the governing body as to why it was not allowed to stand.

What did Premier League statement say about Villa controversy?

Villa have seen their fair share of VAR controversy, and they were again on the receiving end of a decision against the Clarets.

The Premier League, via their Match Centre account on X, confirmed why the goal was overturned after initially being given.

Taking to the platform on 10 May, they said: “VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Watkins was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed.”

Why Villa need to beat Burnley

Obviously, they could qualify for Europe’s premier competition by winning the Europa League, if they beat Freiburg in the final.

However, if they lose they need to finish in the top five places in the top-flight, which it looks like they will do.

Watkins’ goal in the second half consolidated their position for a brief moment, before Zion Flemming equalised for the hosts, leaving Emery furious.

Villa currently find themselves in fifth position, but Bournemouth are only four points behind, which is still catchable with two matches left.

It would mean that the Villans perhaps cannot afford to rest players for their next game with Liverpool as they may have liked to, despite having the final five days later.

If they can’t find a winner, it would leave Emery with some tough decisions to make for the clash with the Reds, as they will still have a chance of being caught, which would be disastrous if they don’t win the final.

It would be wholly unacceptable to miss out on the Champions League, given their performance so far this season and the position they find themselves in.