Crystal Palace v Aston Villa: Ex-PGMOL chief expects action amid Wembley scenes
Aston Villa have been knocked out of the FA Cup courtesy of their 3-0 semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley.
Unai Emery’s men found themselves 1-0 down at half-time thanks to Eberechi Eze’s strike, and were unable to get themselves back in the game.
Villa fans were handed a moment of joy when Jean-Philippe Mateta failed to score from the penalty spot for Palace in the second half.
However, the Eagles soon doubled their advantage via Ismaila Sarr’s goal, which ended Villa’s FA Cup dream for another season.
The former Watford man secured his brace in second-half additional time, condemning Villa to a miserable Saturday evening at Wembley.
Keith Hackett expects action to be taken after Palace fans let off smoke bombs
The Villa Park giants will now have to wait at least another season to clinch silverware after being beaten by Oliver Glasner’s men at Wembley.
Meanwhile, Palace supporters set off smoke bombs and let balloons onto the pitch as the FA Cup semi-final got underway on Saturday.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett expects action to be taken against the fan in question, as he exclusively told Villa News: “Wembley security should have carried out the appropriate inspections to have ensured this did not happen.
“Whilst the person in the stand who let off the two smoke bombs had a face mask on, he will be identified by police through their cameras and ticket allocation, and the relevant action will be taken.“
Villa could now endure a tough end to the season
This season will be one that the Villa Park faithful look back on with fond memories, as Emery’s side progressed to both the Champions League quarter-finals and the FA Cup semi-finals.
However, at the start of the month, the West Midlands outfit were still vying to win two trophies but can no longer win any silverware this term thanks to Saturday’s defeat.
Meanwhile, Villa’s defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on 22 April has left Emery’s side with somewhat of a mountain to climb in terms of Champions League qualification.
While Emery’s men are still just three points adrift of the top five, it could prove difficult to overtake the likes of Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s men still boast a game in hand over the Villa Park club.
Villa have enjoyed a largely strong campaign, but may find it difficult to end the season strongly after seeing their trophy chances slip away at Wembley.