Aston Villa ‘not happy’ over Spurs fixture switch

To give Spurs more time to get ready for a potential Europa League final appearance, Aston Villa have moved their Premier League game against Tottenham by two days to May 16th.

There was “clear prejudice” against the club in this decision, according to Villa’s director of football operations Damian Vidagany, but he hoped it would be remembered if the club needed assistance with fixture scheduling in the future.

Spurs had scheduled a 14:15 BST kick-off on May 18 but requested an earlier start in order for Ange Postecoglou’s side to have more time to prepare if they reached the Europa League final on May 21.

Vidagany posted a picture on social media that read, “Fixture changed and, to be honest, not happy.” However, things could get worse. We really put forth a lot of pressure on everyone at different club levels to protect our fans, which is our main duty, and to keep the Spurs game on Sunday. Nothing against the Spurs.

We didn’t feel this or the previous support. English clubs on the verge of the finals are not only demanding but also competitive in Europe.

With Wednesday or Thursday regarded as alternatives, Vidagany added that moving the game to Friday, which kicks off at 19:30, was the “less damaging” option they could receive.

The switch was not what they wanted, according to Villa’s director of football Monchi, who echoed Vidagany’s sentiments, and supporters didn’t deserve the disruption.

In the semi-final, Tottenham are 3-1 ahead of Bodo/Glimt, and they could face Manchester United, who are 3-3 up in a tie with Athletic Bilbao, in the final. On Thursday, both second legs will be played.

Even if Postecoglou’s side are eliminated and do not advance to the final in Bilbao, the Spurs game will still be played at Villa.

Villa objected to the request for the change, noting that there is no Premier League precedent allowing clubs in Europe to relocate fixtures.

Due to their participation in the Champions League and FA Cup, Villa had played every three or four days in April, according to a report from BBC Sport at the time.

Another factor in the objection was that this was Villa’s final home game of the season and that it might have pre-planned family activation activities that wouldn’t be possible if the game were played on a school night.

The Premier League has confirmed that the game will begin at 19:30 the following evening despite Tottenham’s initial request to move it to the evening of May 15.