RabiuPremier League release statement on Ollie Watkins controversy in Burnley vs Aston Villa
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.
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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.
#BURAVL – 39’ VAR OVERTURN
VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Watkins was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/qG2o7lJWHQ — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) May 10, 2026View Tweet
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.
Roy Keane Lauded for Blunt Take on Ollie Watkins Controversy in Burnley Clash
Roy Keane has earned widespread praise for his no-nonsense assessment of the controversy surrounding Ollie Watkins during Aston Villa’s recent Premier League encounter with Burnley.
In the match, Watkins thought he had given Villa the lead with a clinical finish early in the second half, only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside decision. The incident sparked debate among fans and pundits over the application of VAR.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Keane cut through the noise with characteristic directness. He argued that while the call was tight, players and managers should focus on performance rather than blaming officials for marginal decisions. Keane highlighted Watkins’ overall impact despite the disappointment, calling for greater resilience in such moments.
Social media erupted with approval, with many hailing Keane’s comments as “refreshingly honest” and a welcome contrast to overly emotional reactions. “Keane tells it like it is,” one fan wrote. His take has been credited with shifting the conversation back to footballing fundamentals amid growing frustration with refereeing controversies.
Position Played GD Points
4.) Liverpool 36 +12 59
5.) Villa 36 +4 59
6.) Bournemouth 36 +4 55
The Premier League top five race as it stands.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.
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