Aston Villa secured a deserved 2-1 win at Leicester City on Saturday at the King Power Stadium.
Unai Emery‘s side had to fight for the three points right until the end, but he would been pleased with his team and how they made it back-to-back away wins.
But after the full-time whistle, the Leicester fans were annoyed with the officiating during the game and their manager Steve Cooper made his feelings clear about it.
Aston Villa’s opening goal was scored by Amadou Onana following a well-worked free-kick, but Leicester and Oliver Skipp argued that his challenge on Ollie Watkins should never have been a foul in the first place.
In the second half, there were cries of a penalty when Youri Tielemans went to challenge and win the ball off Jamie Vardy.
But the one that probably frustrated the home fans the most was Vardy putting the ball in the back of the net, but the on-field referee David Coote blew his whistle before he could score because the ball had hit him.
Clinton Morrison explained that he simply doesn’t like the rule and he mocked the official by saying ‘this is why referees don’t play football’.
The former striker slammed Coote for not getting out of the way, even though he understands why the goal was ruled out and how it is correct going by the letter of the law.
Ex-Premier League referee Mike Dean was listening on and he didn’t hold back by telling Morrison ‘players shouldn’t pass the ball to the referee’, as he told Sky Sports News (31/08/24 at 4:15 pm).
David Coote under fire after Aston Villa beat Leicester
“To be fair, it is the rules,” said Morrison. “Leicester scored a goal. It’s a good pass from Winks – but get out of the way (referee). As a referee, just get out of the way. This is why referees don’t play football – The Leicester fans aren’t happy. I don’t think it’s the right rule, but we move on.”
Mike Dean responded: “It’s unlucky, but players shouldn’t pass the ball to the referee, should they? There is enough space on the pitch. It wouldn’t have been a goal anyway because the whistle went.”
Aston Villa’s bench
Jhon Duran got the winner again for Villa and his early performances are very encouraging for the team going forward.
It also needs to be noted that Ross Barkley came off the bench and looked strong. The bench strength is going to be very important to the team.
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Villa are in Champions League action after the international break and that’s where fans are going to see the rest of the squad come into action.
Ian Maatsen was one of Villa’s big buys in the summer, but he is yet to start a game and you assume that will come straight after the international break.
