Aston Villa boss Unai Emery and Youri Tielemans involved in touchline spat during UEFA Europa League win over Fenerbahce

React to this story

Jadon Sancho netted his first goal for Aston Villa as they defeated Fenerbahce, securing qualification for the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League. But the dramatic finale in Istanbul saw emotions run high, including for Villa manager Unai Emery, who appeared visibly frustrated with midfielder Youri Tielemans following the Belgian’s late substitution. Martin Keown labeled it "very strange".

'I don't like that' - Lescott and Williams react to Emery clashing with Tielemans

Video credit: TNT Sports

Aston Villa booked their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul, but manager Unai Emery wasn't all that pleased with midfielder Youri Tielamans as the pair were involved in a bizarre touchline incident in the closing stages.

Tielemans, who had been part of a very professional and disciplined Villa display, was substituted in the second minute of stoppage time as Emery turned to youngster George Hemmings to wind down the clock.

The Portuguese fourth official Fabio Verissimo had just signalled there would be a minimum of seven additional minutes, and so Emery appeared eager to impose careful game management by eating away at the time Fenerbahce would have to find an equaliser.

Transfers

Mudryk linked with surprise transfer - Paper Round

18 hours ago

The hosts, who trailed at the interval thanks to Jadon Sancho's first goal for Villa since his loan switch from Manchester United, improved after the break and were denied an equalizer with 15 minutes remaining due to VAR intervention.

Kerem Akturkoglu believed he had scored, only for the goal to be ruled out due to an offside in the build-up involving former Villa striker Jhon Duran.

With Villa withstanding heavy pressure, Emery sought fresh legs, but he appeared very irate at Tielemans on the sidelines, grabbing the shirt of the Belgian after he departed the field of play.

On co-commentary duty for TNT Sports, Martin Keown remarked: "Wow, what was that all about? That was very strange."

Sancho bags ‘clever’ opener for Villa to silence Fenerbahce supporters

Video credit: TNT Sports

When asked to explain the incident after the game, Emery downplayed the significance of the confrontation, telling reporters: "He's like my son."

Villa held on for victory, with Tielemans seen back on the pitch to join in the celebrations with the 2,000 travelling supporters whilst also spotted in conversation with Fenerbahce head coach Domenico Tedesco, with whom he previously worked for the Belgian national team.

Villa's six victories from their opening seven matches ensures a place in the last 16. But the incident involving Tielemans was the topic of discussion in the TNT Sports studio following the final whistle.

Former Villa defender Joleon Lescott said: "It might be innocent, but I don't like that. Regardless of what it was for, if it was the other way around and the player refused to shake his manager's hand, there would be uproar, and his mentality and professionalism would be questioned.

"I'm sure it's more innocent than it looks, but I don't like the look of it."

‘What was that all about?’ – Emery pushes Tielemans in ‘strange’ incident

Video credit: TNT Sports

TNT Sports pundit Fara Williams added: "Given Tielemans' performance, to come off and feel you've done a job for the team with a few minutes left and be shoved by your manager, I just assume it could be because he jogged off the pitch and he probably wanted him to walk off as there's only a couple of minutes left.

"Maybe it's because he's not deploying any dark arts, but that's all I can assume."

Villa, who made six changes from Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton, dominated most of the game until Fenerbahce mounted a late push.

Sancho came close to doubling his tally in the 42nd minute, rounding goalkeeper Ederson after a through ball from Morgan Rogers, only for his effort to be blocked on the line by Fenerbahce captain Milan Skriniar.

Full-back Matty Cash rattled the far post with a swirling 25-yard strike, before midway through the second half Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced a fine save, diving to his right to deny substitute Talisca, as Villa secured their safe passage into the last 16.

Lescott continued: "You expected a more competitive second half from Fenerbahce, and they were. Bizot and the two centre-halves, I thought were outstanding today.

"Tyrone Mings and Victor Lindelof hadn't had too much game time recently but they didn't put a foot wrong, and it was a very professional performance.

"You're never going to have it all go your own way in Europe, but I thought they dominated throughout."

Sancho: I know I can do more - it's nice to have a manager who backs you

Match-winner Sancho was a lively presence throughout, with Keown impressed by his attitude and willingness to stretch the Fenerbahce defence. It was the 25-year-old's first headed goal of his career.

Speaking afterwards to TNT Sports, Sancho reflected on his milestone: "I think it is [my first headed goal at professional level]. I know I scored a few in my youth days. But I'm just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa, and to top it off with that, it's a win.

Highlights: Emery, Tielemans CLASH mars dogged Villa win in Fenerbahce

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I was pointing at Ezri [Konsa] and Ian [Maatsen] because in training we've been practising some headers, so it was kind of funny that obviously I scored a header today."

Sancho has made a slow start to his loan spell from United, but with Donyell Malen now on loan at Roma, he showed on Thursday that he is ready to grab his opportunity.

"I just take it day by day in training," Sancho continued. "Obviously, the manager and the team are helping me to get to my best.

"Honestly, I know I can do a lot more. I'm very hard on myself in that aspect. But again, I'm very grateful that I got my first goal for Aston Villa and I hope it continues."

When asked about his time learning from manager Emery, Sancho added: "He just keeps on telling me to be positive every time I play. It's nice to have a manager who backs you and obviously believes in you. Again, every opportunity I get, I'm going to try and do 100%, and hopefully I can deliver more goals."

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

UEFA Super Cup