Aston Villa Star's Post-Match Interview Sparks Tension with England World Cup Teammate

ASTON VILLA star Ezri Konsa accused Elliot Anderson of a “dangerous tackle” on Ollie Watkins as a bitter aftermath boiled over.

Anderson earned the early bragging rights over his England teammates after helping edge Villa 1-0 in their

Ezri Konsa accused Elliot Anderson of a ‘dangerous tackle’ on Ollie Watkins Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk Elliott Anderson avoided a red card check for planting his stud on Ollie Watkins’ ankel Credit: TNT Sports

Konsa joined Villa manager in blasting the officials for failing to send Anderson off for a during the first-half on Thursday night at the City Ground.

The 28-year-old said: “On the pitch, at the time, I didn’t see it. But looking back at it after the game, it is a dangerous tackle. I don’t think they took time to get it on VAR.”

While speaking to the media in the mixed zone, Konsa spotted Anderson walking behind him and uttered: “There he is”.

Konsa added: “But you know how football goes these days. Sometimes they miss these things. We just have to move on.”

Konsa and Anderson have moved on from the incident and are tipped to make Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up at the World Cup, but Watkins is set to miss out altogether.

A furious Emery claimed the challenge risked breaking Watkins’ ankle and Villa officials were left bewildered by the failure of the VAR to act.

Watkins quickly sought retribution when he clattered into the back of Anderson’s thigh, but avoided a yellow for his act of revenge.

The Portuguese video assistant did later intervene to award Forest a penalty after kept the ball in play before handled it.

Konsa and Anderson have been tipped to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up at the World Cup Credit: Getty Watkins was left furious with the decision Credit: PA

The on-field assistant had initially ruled the ball had run out of play. converted the resulting penalty for the only goal of the night.

Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, later posted on social media: “If VAR called the referee for the penalty, why they didn’t check at least the red card for Anderson?

“Huge mistake of referee tonight. I am sure the refereeing people would agree with us in this unfair situation.”

Despite frustration at the officials, Konsa is confident Villa can overturn the one-goal deficit in next week’s home second leg.

Watkins later tried to get retribution when he clattered into the back of Anderson’s thigh Credit: PA

He said: “There is a bit of frustration in the dressing room but also belief.
“We have been in this situation before, last season. We back ourselves. A 1-0 loss is not the end of the world.

“We know how it is at Villa Park when the fans are behind, how loud it can be and how intimidating it can be for the opposition.”

And Forest keeper echoed that sentiment: “We know how tough next Thursday will be.”

Anderson has since jokingly posted a picture of his nutmeg on with , with Rogers commenting on his pals post: “See you next week mate.”