Latest Aston Villa FC news as Ollie Watkins is brought down early on during the Europa League clash with Feyenoord in Rotterdam and Anel Ahmedhodzic is handed a yellow card
20:28, 02 Oct 2025
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreAn incident involving Ollie Watkins led to a VAR check (Image: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have been left furious after Feyenoord were given a controversial red card reprieve in their Europa League clash. With just 13 minutes on the clock in Rotterdam, Feyenoord centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic brought down Ollie Watkins, who was bearing down on goal.
All eyes turned to referee Rade Obrenovic, who pulled out a yellow card – much to Villa’s dismay. VAR looked at the incident, though, and told Obrenovic to review his decision on the pitch-side monitor, as a potential red check took place.
But in a rare moment, the Slovenian referee stuck with his original decision. Ahmedhodzic was the last man back when he made the tackle on Watkins, who got a touch on the ball as he was taken down.
Yet the ex-Sheffield United star avoided a sending off and TNT Sports commentator Steve Sidwell feels that he was fortunate. “I’m not sure on that and neither are the Aston Villa bench,” former Villa midfielder Sidwell said.
“They are talking down there to the fourth official. Unai Emery is keeping calm. For me, Ollie Watkins takes a touch, and I think if he can get to that ball, he can get a strike on goal. He’s been brought down.”
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Villa fans were fairly split on the decision. “Let’s be honest, that’s not a red card,” one supporter posted on X. “Was a yellow in fairness,” another added.
But some were less agreeable. “Blatant red card,” a Villa fan raged. “That was as clear a red card as you will see,” a second fumed.
Soon after, it was Feyenoord who weren’t happy with a decision from Obrenovic. The Dutch side’s manager, Robin van Persie, was outraged after Ayase Ueda’s header from a corner was chalked off.
Obrenovic adjudged that Villa defender Matty Cash was fouled before the ball reached Ueda, keeping the game at 0-0. Feyenoord had the lion’s share of chances in the first half, although the visitors will be ruing the chance Watkins would’ve had if not for Ahmedhodzic’s foul.
Villa were forced to make a change to their starting line-up before a ball was kicked. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez picked up a knock in the warm-up at De Kuip, prompting Emery to call on Marco Bizot as a late replacement.
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