Ex-Premier League referee: Officials may be wary of Aston Villa after another controversy
Premier League officials will be taking note of Aston Villa and their antics in pre-season, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee delivered his verdict after another Aston Villa pre-season was marred in controversy.
Lucas Digne put in a strong challenge on Brisbane Roar’s Tom Aldred in Aston Villa’s 1-0 win on Wednesday (20 July) and was lucky to escape a red card.
It comes just days after John McGinn put in a similar tackle on Leeds United starlet Archie Gray in another 1-0 win out in Australia.
Gray, 16, had to be stretchered off as McGinn was only shown a yellow card and avoided being dismissed.
Asked whether Aston Villa’s behaviour in pre-season is something Premier League referees will take notice of, Hackett told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Yes, it is.
“There is a responsibility on match officials around the world to apply the law.
“The law I think is quite clear, it’s specific and doesn’t need changing. For me, this is a red card offence.
“Referees have got to be a bit selfish and not worry about how they are perceived by spectators, teams and team managers.
“They’ve got to show a bit of strength and outlaw these types of challenges by players.”
Aston Villa kick off their 2022-23 Premier League campaign with a trip to Bournemouth on the opening day next month (6 August).
Before that they face fellow Premier League outfit Man United and Ligue 1 side Rennes in pre-season fixtures.
In other news, Aston Villa are racing to sign a PSV star and £20million will seal the deal.