Aston Villa to make complaint to UEFA after ‘unacceptable’ incident vs Lille
Keith Hackett expects UEFA to take action after Aston Villa fans were prevented from accessing their seats for the Europa League clash with Lille.
Aston Villa secured a 1-0 win away to Lille in the Europa League, and with it being such a big win, that is what the focus should have been on in the aftermath.
It wasn’t, and that was because many Villa fans had complained after they were restrained by stewards in France simply for trying to reach their seats in the ground.
Footage has emerged online of the altercations, and Hackett expects UEFA to intervene on Aston Villa’s behalf.
Keith Hackett expects to see Lille fined by UEFA
Understandably so, Villa fans were left enraged by the treatment they received upon trying to enter the stadium, with many complaints made across social media.
Several of those complaints are accompanied by footage of the incident, highlighting the fact that police were seen swinging batons at the travelling supporters.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, former PGMOL chief, Hackett, has explained how this should lead to punishment for the Ligue 1 side.
He said: “At every UEFA game, there is an appointed Independent Match Delegate. The panel of Delegates are experienced football administrators who are the eyes and ears of UEFA at the match, and they produce a post-match report for UEFA.
“The Delegate armed with a camera will walk around the stadium to ensure safe access of fans into the stadium. He can request additional security to deal with any bottlenecks that may arise.
“These alarming video clips of fans with tickets not gaining entry to watch the match are frankly unacceptable.
“I hope the fans have highlighted their experiences to the admin at Aston Villa so that the club can put in a formal complaint on their behalf to UEFA.
“Hopefully, the match delegate will be aware of the problem, and it will be included in his match report. UEFA will investigate and determine an outcome.
“I expect Lille to receive a fine for their shortcomings.”
Could this affect the return leg at Villa Park?
While UEFA are almost certain to investigate the incident, it’s unlikely to have any impact when Lille travel to Villa Park for the reverse fixture.
Unai Emery’s side will be looking to build on their 1-0 advantage and reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
That encounter is scheduled for Thursday, 19 March, which is just four days after the Villans’ trip to Old Trafford.
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