Angel Told To Give His Elbow A Rest

Villa boss Martin O’Neill is laying down the law and telling players he doesn’t want to see any nasty incidents or retaliation.

Following the Juan Pablo Angel elbowing incident last Monday against Sheffield United defender Chris Morgan, which to be fair could have resulted in a red card, Martin O’Neill said:

‘The ref has seen the incident and has chosen not to deal with it in any other way than he did – a free-kick – but there is no doubt Angel has swung around. A second or two before that, when the player is holding on to Angel there is the possibility of us being awarded a penalty. But in general terms, I would be insisting the players do not retaliate in that fashion at all. Absolutely. That is the message that will go out to him.’

‘First of all it is not right, and secondly I cannot afford to lose players through suspension for throwing their arms around. In this day and age, if you raise your elbows in that fashion and follow through there is the possibility you can be sent off. It is something I would not be happy with.’

He added: ‘In the last day or two, because I have been whisked all over the place, I haven’t spoken to Juan Pablo – but I will do. The same will go for all the players here. I don’t want it to be happening. I don’t want people to be swinging around with their elbows. I know there are methods of getting yourself loose from players holding on to you. But I won’t be tolerating following through with elbows at this football club.’

‘It is not right, and you shouldn’t be doing it – there is the possibility of injuring a player. If you are drawing back in that fashion and using your elbow to injure a player it is just not right. I am sure it will occur in my time here, and I will deal with it when it comes. I would deal with it in a strong disciplinary way.’

Strong disciplinary way? Could try elbowing them I guess! :o)