Aston Villa have been left angry at the Premier League’s controversial decision to bring forward their clash with Tottenham by 48 hours, accusing the governing body of ‘clear prejudice’.
The fixture, Villa’s final game at home this season, has been switched from 2.15pm on May 18 – a Sunday – to 7.30pm on May 16, ahead of Spurs’ possible participation in the Europa League Final on May 21.
The switch would give Tottenham more time to prepare for that fixture, which could bring them only their second trophy this century and their first in Europe since 1984
But Villa believe little consideration has been given to their own attempts to finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League – nor to their supporters who may now have to change plans at short notice, with the game rescheduled at only 10 days’ notice.