Aston Villa fans were all left seething about one decision that went against their side in the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Villa Park was rocking as Aston Villa hosted Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
It was a special night for everyone involved with the football club, as the repeat of their 1982 European Cup final played out.
Bayern made a dominant start to the game as Unai Emery’s men sat in their shape and allowed Vincent Kompany’s side to have most of the ball.
Once they rode out the early storm after Emi Martinez made a couple of decent saves, the hosts grew in confidence and looked threatening in transition, often catching Bayern cold at the back.
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Dayot Upamecano could have been sent off vs Aston Villa
One intriguing battle that played out at Villa Park was Ollie Watkins up against the towering presence of Dayot Upamecano.
With Bayern pressing high and in numbers, Kompany’s men were left short at the back in the first half and Watkins, in particular, had the space to exploit the Frenchman in the channels.
The 28-year-old had Villa’s first chance of the game when he got on the end of Lucas Digne’s cross but his header was blocked by Kim Min Jae.
Moments later, the Englishman received the ball in the channel and was brought down by Upamecano, who was the last man for Bayern.
Villa should have had a free kick – and Upamecano could have arguably seen a red card – but the referee gave neither, despite VAR reviewing the decision.
A similar scenario then played out once more as Watkins spun the French defender, who pulled him down, this time receiving a yellow card.
In a decision that could have a huge bearing on the contest, Villa fans were understandably left angry that the first challenge on Watkins wasn’t given as a free kick and a red card.
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Aston Villa fans react to Ollie Watkins decision vs Bayern Munich
Reacting to this decision via X, one supporter said: “That’s the worst decision I’ve seen all year, Upamecano has literally pulled Watkins to the ground with 2 hands and not seen red because of what exactly? Because we’re villa and they’re Bayern??”
“How is that not a foul on Watkins? Defender behind him not touch on the ball,” another fan added.
“Bayern have no handle on Watkins at all. Take advantage,” a third responded.
“Am I the only one who thinks Upamecano should have been given two reds, never mind yellow?,” a fourth added.
“Bit of a killjoy, but we should all be used to it by now. It’s a huge boost for Villa and a platform for them to build on. Upamecano is lucky to be on the pitch, receiving just one yellow card from two fouls,” another said.
“Upamecano should have gotten red. Some nice football from Aston Villa,” a seventh said.
Villa fans have a right to be annoyed at what was a terrible decision from the referee, especially in a game of this magnitude, where any decision can have a huge impact.
