Club officials express frustration after Aston Villa vs Tottenham fixture is brought forward
Senior management at Aston Villa have expressed frustration over what they see as unfair treatment following the last-minute rescheduling of their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
The match was originally slated for Sunday, 18 May at 2:15 p.m., but has been brought forward to Friday, 16 May at 7:30 p.m. The change was made to give Tottenham more time to prepare for a potential Europa League final appearance on 21 May.
While the move could benefit Tottenham as they chase their first European trophy since 1984, it has drawn anger from Villa’s hierarchy. It will have disrupted their preparation for what could be a decisive game in their pursuit of a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Fans would also be forced to scramble with only 10 days’ notice to adjust their plans and come to support their team for an important game.
Speaking out after the announcement, Villa’s President of Football Operations Monchi said: “The change of the fixture of Tottenham is not what we wanted. We were not entitled to keep it and we got the least damaging alternative.
“Our fans didn’t deserve [this] but we tried hard to keep the match to protect the most important for us: YOU and OUR TEAM. We need you on Friday.”
Club director Damian Vidagany echoed Monchi’s disappointment, calling the change a case of “clear prejudice” against Villa fans.
“Fixture changed and, honestly, not happy,” he said. “Hopefully in the future all of them would [remember] the clear prejudice in this case to Villa fans and will be consistent and equally supportive, if we need changes to help us in Europe (if hopefully we are there).
“We didn’t feel this support last season or this one. European football is not only demanding for English clubs just on the verge of the finals.”
