Carragher backtracks on 'unacceptable insult' after Villa takes legal action

Aston Villa is taking legal action against Carragher over comments he made about the club and its fans, despite his public apology.

Aston Villa has announced it will pursue legal action against Jamie Carragher following controversial remarks he made about the club, manager Unai Emery and the fanbase. Club chairman Nassef Sawiris stated: "Aston Villa will take legal steps against Jamie Carragher for his unacceptable insults towards the club and its fans. Aston Villa will not allow anyone to stop our progress in English and European football."

Carragher's comments came during a podcast discussion about Emery potentially replacing Manchester United manager Michael Carrick. The pundit argued that Manchester United would represent a step up for Emery, and stated that Aston Villa would never reach United's level, telling Villa fans to "shut the fuck up." He later attempted to walk back the remarks on another show, calling them a joke that "got out of hand," and subsequently apologized on social media.