Leon Bailey investigation underway after Aston Villa win v Everton – report
Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is being investigated by police for an alleged assault in the 4-0 win over Everton on Sunday (20 August), according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported on its website on Monday (21 August) that a supporter has alleged the incident happened when he asked the Jamaican winger to pose for a photo with his son in a corporate box at Villa Park following the game.
Bailey has been accused of refusing the supporter’s request for a photograph for his son’s fifth birthday and then proceeding to push the Villa fan to the ground after an argument surrounded the winger’s reluctance to pose for a photograph.
Reporting on the status of the incident Lewis Steele wrote: “The alleged incident is said to have been caught on CCTV and seen by numerous witnesses. West Midlands police are looking into the matter but declined to give a comment when approached on Sunday night. The fan gave a statement at the scene.
“Security officers on-site at Villa Park contacted the police after the alleged incident, in which the supporter and Bailey argued over the player’s apparent reluctance to take a selfie with the man’s son. Aston Villa were also looking into the incident.”
Frustrating news
Sunday’s win over Everton felt like Villa had put any rustiness of potential issues following their heavy defeat at the hands of Newcastle United well and truly behind them, but this off-the-field news could well see more issues rise.
Emery needs a united squad for what is likely going to be a long season with European football on top of domestic commitments and the last thing they need is their players getting into trouble off of the field that could damage the club and the player’s image.
Bailey is innocent until proven guilty so this story may well just blow over, but it would be an immense shame on a footballing level should the 26-year-old not be able to play a part at Villa Park this season as he looked at his best on Sunday.
With Eli Buendia’s season already curtailed and Philippe Coutinho picking up what looked like a serious injury against Everton, Villa need Bailey’s services in attack for the remainder of this campaign and it would feel rather stupid to lose his services over something as small as a selfie for a fan’s birthday.
Hopefully, this can be resolved quickly and quietly in the coming weeks.
In other Aston Villa news, Emery’s side are considering a move for an Arsenal defender this summer