Aston Villa and Newcastle fans finally unite after outrage over over social media footage
Aston Villa and Newcastle have been direct rivals on the pitch in recent seasons.
Both clubs have managed to upset the apple cart at various points through qualifying for the Champions League and Europa League across the last three seasons.
Newcastle cruelly edged Villa out on goal difference last season for qualification for the Champions League, but with Villa being the favourites to win the Europa League, this could be a blessing in disguise.
The fact that Villa lost this spot to Newcastle was even more painful, considering their rivalry dating back to 2009, when the Villans mocked the travelling Newcastle supporters on the final day with multiple banners saying “Sob on the Tyne” and “Who’s your next Messiah? Ant or Dec?” As the Magpies were relegated, with Alan Shearer in charge at the time.
Villa and Newcastle supporters hit back after Sunderland social media video emerges
Both sets of supporters have been able to put their rivalry aside for now as they appear to be in complete agreement after what happened to Morgan Rogers over the weekend, even if Villa supporters pulled out the “Sob on the Tyne” banner again in 2016 and added “again” to it as both sides were ultimately relegated that year.
The Villans look to be a million miles away from competing for Champions League qualification with their rivals this season, however, with Villa’s 1-1 draw against a 10-man Sunderland side on Sunday ensuring they have yet to pick up a win in the new campaign.
Rogers’ poor form continued against Sunderland, as the attacking midfielder continues to try to replicate the form he displayed last season.
Despite it being another forgettable performance from the 23-year-old, Rogers was still at the centre of a controversial moment against Sunderland.
In an inexplicable decision from the referee, a foul was not given as Sunderland defender Trai Hume put in a dangerous tackle on Rogers that sent the attacker pirouetting in mid-air.
After the game, Sunderland posted the ‘tackle’ on their Instagram account with the caption, “still got the ball”, Rogers was evidently not impressed at the newly promoted side’s antics as he responded on his story by saying, “Great message to send out…
“Dangerous tackles getting highlight reels,” followed by a clapping emoji.
Unsurprisingly, Villa supporters agreed with Rogers as they shared their thoughts on X.
Newcastle supporters were also in support of Villa and Rogers as they criticised the challenge from the Sunderland defender, with one Newcastle fan saying, “He’s (Rogers) actually right though, some won’t like to hear that…”
Another Villa fan said, “Tackled? You mean assaulted.”
This view was also supported by Newcastle, who also replied, “Fouled, not tackled.”
Morgan Rogers replying to the clip highlights his frustrations
If Rogers had started the season in fine form and bagged another goal against Sunderland, perhaps he wouldn’t be hung up on the decision.
Whilst it was certainly a foul, and could have resulted in Hume getting sent off, Rogers needs to be offering more in games than simply winning fouls.
Rogers’ posting the message he did on social media perhaps showcases the deeper frustration he is feeling after his and Villa’s underwhelming start to the season, and the fact that a foul was not given is just another thing that has not gone their way so far.
Rogers could benefit from a spell out of the team whilst he is out of form, allowing Harvey Elliott to start in the number ten role against Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247