Premier League release immediate double statement on Aston Villa flashpoints vs Fulham
Aston Villa went 1-0 down early on in their clash with Fulham, and there were several controversial moments.
Raul Jimenez opened the scoring with a header from a corner in the opening minutes, and Aston Villa struggled to contain the Fulham attack.
Fulham could have scored again as they carved out several openings, and this led to some contentious calls from the referee in a chaotic game at Villa Park.
The Premier League have now released statements regarding two seperate incidents which happened in quick succession in the first half, which Aston Villa fans will be happy about.
Premier League statements on Josh King and Matty Cash incidents
In the 22nd minute of the match, Fulham youngster Josh King ran through on goal, and went down after contact with goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
This could have led to a penalty, but instead the teenager was booked for simulation, as he threw himself at Martinez rather than being fouled.
The Premier League Match Centre have confirmed that this decision was checked and backed by VAR, in a new statement.
| Emi Martinez | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Saves | 100 |
| Save percentage | 69% |
| Clean sheets | 8 |
| Penalty saves | 1 |
| Errors | 1 |
“The referee’s call of no penalty and yellow card to King for simulation was checked and confirmed by VAR – with King deemed to be going to ground before any contact was made,” they posted on X.
Two minutes later, a shot appeared to hit the arm of Matty Cash, but again, this was checked and cleared by VAR.
“The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Cash deemed not to be a handball offence, with the arm in a justifiable position.”
- Read more: Unai Emery could be in serious bother at Aston Villa within hours after what has been seen
Aston Villa end Villa Park goal drought
Villa were yet to score at home in the Premier League, and Fulham’s early goal and chances caused fear that another frustrating goalless defeat was on the cards.
However, Villa found an equaliser midway through the first half, as Ollie Watkins scored with a fantastic chip over Bernd Leno.
It was a fiery encounter as several yellow cards were dished out, with Marco Silva also booked towards the end of the half after moaning at referee Andy Madley.
Villa have had a tough start to the season, and there was change off the pitch as Roberto Olabe replaced Monchi as sporting director.
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