(Photo Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa slammed as 'selfish' as former Premier League official hits out

Refereeing Consultant AUTHORITY Former FIFA Referee; Head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited). FOCUS Laws of the Game, VAR implementation, officiating performance, and PGMOL policy. THE AUDIT Keith utilises Statscore’s Officiating Telemetry, including Deep-Data Metrics like Incident Accuracy Rates, VAR Intervention Latency, and Official Positional Efficiency. He provides technical refereeing analysis to reveal the regulatory reality behind match-defining decisions.

Published on:

28 Apr 2025, 3:05 am

Aston Villa have been labelled “selfish” over a decision they have made regarding their fixture against Tottenham Hotspur.

The two teams are due to play against each other at Villa Park on 18 May, but Tottenham had requested that the game to be moved to a different date.

This is due to Ange Postecoglou’s side remaining in the Europa League, as the Lilywhites could end up playing in the final just three days later on 21 May if they are able to defeat Bodo/Glimt.

However, widespread reports have claimed that Villa have rejected the request, as they intend on playing the game as originally scheduled.

Villa Park is home for Unai Emery (Photo: Imago)

Aston Villa haven’t been willing to show a compromise

The decision to reject the fixture change is something that will undoubtedly frustrate Tottenham fans, but Unai Emery and his side are purely focused on themselves and their remaining games.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup, the Premier League is Villa’s only remaining focus, and that’s something they’re taking seriously.

Premier League Standings	Games Played	Won	Lost	Points
7. Aston Villa	34	16	9	57

Aston Villa's Premier League standing

The decision might be popular with Villa supporters, but former Premier League official Keith Hackett was disappointed by the news, as he exclusively spoke to Villa News.

He said: “In mainland Europe, you see clubs and competitions assisting clubs who reach the finals of European competitions.

“This may well be driven by the leagues, who see the prestige of one of the clubs reaching a final.

“What a pity that Villa have declined Spurs' request, and it highlights the selfish nature and relationship between clubs in the Premier League.”

Unai Emery has a made a decision (Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa still have lots to play for

While the decision Villa have made might be seen as a selfish one, the Midlands club are ultimately thinking about themselves, and their own individual campaign.

Emery’s side are currently pushing to earn a place in the Champions League for next season; therefore, making accommodations to help strengthen their opponents is always going to be unlikely.

Villa have also had to play just days after European fixtures several times this season, while the Midlands club also have some pre-arranged family activation activities planned for the day of that fixture as it’s their final home game of the season, and they cannot be rearranged.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery

Keith Hackett