England’s BRENTFORD (AP) – After Ollie Watkins, a striker for Aston Villa, said he was harassed by a Brentford supporter on Sunday, the club requested an investigation.
At GTech Community Stadium, Villa defeated Brentford 2-1, with Watkins, a former Brentford player, scoring the game’s winning goal.
“Aston Villa FC wants to express its support for Ollie Watkins and, with the utmost respect for the big majority of Brentford fans and for the club, we ask the authorities to investigate this incident to find this individual,” the club wrote on X, which used to be known as Twitter. “Zero tolerance to abuse in football.”
England international Watkins joined Villa after leaving Brentford in 2020, and he scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute.
His joy led to a brawl on the field, during which Ezri Konsa and Saman Ghoddos received yellow cards.
In Villa’s post on X, Watkins stated, “I love the club and I have nothing but respect for the Brentford fans, but there was one person who was abusing me throughout the entire game.” Footballers shouldn’t have to endure personal abuse. You can joke around, but this wasn’t funny, which is why I was happy.”
Villa and Watkins did not elaborate on the specifics of the alleged mistreatment.
Watkins was later referred to by Brentford manager Thomas Frank as “a top person of top integrity.”
Players from Brentford and Villa were sent off; Ben Mee was red carded in the 71st minute, while Boubacar Kamara was red carded during stoppage time.
