Aston Villa and Leeds United could still meet in the playoff final later on this month.
BBC Sport pundit Garry Thompson has praised the ‘magnificent’ Conor Hourihane for backing his Aston Villa teammates during the scuffles that ensued against Leeds United over the weekend.
Both teams played out a dramatic 1-1 draw last Sunday, which included Marcelo Bielsa allowing the opposing team to score an uncontested goal after Mateusz Klich had netted a controversial opener.
As soon as Klich had put the ball into the back of the net, Hourihane controversially grabbed him by the scruff of the neck because he was clearly annoyed that Leeds played on despite it looking like they were going to kick the ball out.
Speaking to BBC Radio West Midlands Football Phone-in (30/04/2019), former Villa striker Thompson praised Hourihane for standing up and defending his teammates.
“They’ve actually played like they are going to kick the ball out of play,” Thompson told BBC Radio WM. “Then he [Roberts] has done a cheeky one down the side and they have nicked the goal. That’s when it all kicks off. You can see all the Villa players relax. I know you’re supposed to play to the whistle, so it’s their fault in one respect.
“I have given Conor Hourihane a bit of stick for some of the defending he has done at times. I thought he was magnificent. He was the first one in anytime there’s a ruck. I’m not advocating fighting, but he’s the first one in there Always there, backing his teammates.”
It was one of the most chaotic games ever seen in the Championship and the encounter may well be played out again at the end of this month.
Both Villa and Leeds are in the playoff semi-finals and if they can get past their respective teams then they will meet in the final at Wembley.
As things stand, Villa are going to play Midland rivals West Brom, whilst Bielsa’s side will face Frank Lampard’s Derby County, who are yet to confirm a top-six finish.
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