Aston Villa figure faces FA charge for ‘unacceptable’ behaviour after Crystal Palace draw
Aston Villa chief Damian Vidagany could be in hot water with the FA for his post-Crystal Palace comments.
Villa drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, as Villa’s poor record against Palace continued at Selhurst Park.
Palace also ran out 3-0 winners at Villa Park in the third game of the season, ensuring that the Villans have undoubtedly found their bogey team.
Unai Emery‘s side rued a missed opportunity to leapfrog Manchester City in the Premier League table too, with the Citizens also drawing at home to Brighton.
Damian Vidagany wants more respect for Aston Villa
Pundit and former Aston Villa player Stan Collymore was unhappy with the officiating performance against Palace: a sentiment which is shared by a lot of people connected with Villa.
Referee Andy Madley was particularly lenient at Selhurst Park, awarding eight fouls against Crystal Palace and just three against Aston Villa, with the away side in particular feeling that they were on the wrong end of numerous calls.
One of those was Villa’s director of football operations, Vidagany, who took to his X account after the game to express his and the club’s perceived discrepancy regarding respect shown to them compared to other Premier League clubs.
“Aston Villa deserves the same respect as the other teams in the Premier League,” Vidagany said.
“We don’t want any favour or injustice for others : we want and demand respect. You can see clearly this respect with other clubs and other players. We deserve the same: our players, staff, club are respectful and we want fair play. UTV!”
- Read more: Matthew Upson stunned by ‘fantastic’ Aston Villa star after what he did vs Crystal Palace
Vidagany told to expect FA charge
Speaking exclusively with Villa News, ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett has warned Vidagany to prepare for FA action to be taken against him for his comments on social media.
“These comments are unacceptable and the Football Association should seek clarification on the matter. If Aston Villa have any concerns about decisions or match officiating, there are several channels of communication open to them,” Hackett began.
- Aston Villa have been shown 32 yellow cards this season, which is the fifth-fewest in the PL
- The Villans have been shown one red card
- Villa commit an average of 9.9 fouls per game, which is the third-fewest in the league
“Managers can seek clarification on decisions with referees 30 minutes after the game, while they can also speak directly to a Premier League representative.
“Furthermore, they can write to both the FA and Premier League, while also having the option to speak with head of PGMOL Howard Webb.”
“In this instance, the individual (Vidagany) may now be charged by the Football Association.”
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