Aston Villa to pursue legal action against Jamie Carragher

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 07:51 · Archive

Aston Villa announced Friday they will take legal action against Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher over remarks about the club and its fans.

Aston Villa announced on Friday evening that they would take legal action against Jamie Carragher for what the club described as 'unacceptable insults' about the club and its fans. The announcement came via a statement on social media signed by chairman Nassef Sawiris, stating the club would 'not allow anyone to stop our ascension in English and European football'.

Carragher, a 48-year-old former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit, made his comments on the Stick to Football podcast while discussing whether manager Unai Emery might leave Villa for Manchester United. Michael Carrick is under pressure at Old Trafford following a poor start to the season.

On the podcast, Carragher argued there was an inherent hierarchy in football. He said Real Madrid would take Manchester United's best player, and that teams below Villa would similarly take their manager or players. He concluded by telling Villa fans to 'shut the fuck up', saying 'Aston Villa will never be Manchester United'.

Carragher later commented on social media that his remarks were intended as a joke, referring to the previous backlash he had received from Villa fans over his suggestion about Emery. The pundit also works as a broadcaster for American channel CBS in addition to his Sky Sports role.

Villa's statement did not specify which particular comments triggered the legal action, though all outlets identified the 'shut up' remarks and Carragher's assertion about Villa never matching United's status as the apparent trigger for the club's response.

How it is being reported

• Aston Villa announce legal action against Jamie Carragher in shock statementChairman Nassef Sawiris said move follows “unacceptable insults about the club and its fans”Evening Standard · 31 Oct, 07:36
• Aston Villa to take legal action against Jamie Carragher for ‘unacceptable insults’Villa chair announces plan on social media Carragher said club will ‘never be Man United’ Aston Villa have announced plans to take legal action against Jamie Carragher following his “unacceptable insults” about the club and its supporters. Carragher told Villa fans to “shut the fuck up” after facing criticism for suggesting Unai Emery should consider taking the Manchester United job. Villa responded on Friday evening with a statement on X signed by their chair, Nassef Sawiris. Continue reading...The Guardian · 30 Oct, 23:55
• Aston Villa to take legal action against Jamie Carragher after 'unacceptable insults'Jamie Carragher took aim at Aston Villa fans this week after facing backlash for suggesting Unai Emery could head to Manchester United - with the club now hitting backMirror Sport · 30 Oct, 23:15
• Villa to sue Carragher over 'unacceptable insults'Aston Villa say they will initiate legal action against Jamie Carragher over what the club branded as "unacceptable insults".BBC News · 30 Oct, 23:05

In this story: Aston Villa · Jamie Carragher · Nassef Sawiris · Unai Emery · Manchester United · Sky Sports · Michael Carrick

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