Aston Villa have threatened legal action against former Liverpool defender and football pundit Jamie Carragher over what the club described as “unacceptable insults” directed at the club and its supporters.
Carragher, a prominent analyst with Sky Sports and CBS, has faced backlash from Villa supporters after suggesting that manager Unai Emery should be considered as a potential replacement for under-pressure Manchester United boss Michael Carrick.
In a statement shared across the club’s social media platforms, Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris said the club would take legal action against the former England international.
“Aston Villa will initiate legal action against Jamie Carragher for his unacceptable insults about the club and its fans,” Sawiris said.
“Aston Villa will not allow anyone to stop our ascension in English and European football.”
Emery has transformed Villa’s fortunes since taking charge four years ago, guiding the Birmingham-based club to the Champions League on two occasions and ending a 30-year wait for silverware by winning the Europa League last season.
However, the Spanish manager has had to rebuild his squad this season after six players who started the Europa League final left during the transfer window, with some seeking improved financial terms or opportunities to compete more regularly for major honours.
Emery previously enjoyed successful spells at Valencia and Sevilla but faced greater challenges during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
Carragher sparked the controversy while discussing potential candidates to replace Carrick at Manchester United on the Stick to Football podcast.
The former Liverpool defender suggested that Emery would be attracted by the opportunity to manage another major club, arguing that Manchester United occupied a higher position in English football’s traditional hierarchy than Aston Villa.
“Surely he would want that opportunity to manage a giant again. There is a chain in football, whether you like it or not,” Carragher said.
“Aston Villa will never be Manchester United.”
