Aston Villa said on Friday that they would initiate legal action against Jamie Carragher over what the club described as unacceptable insults about Aston Villa and its fans, but have since dropped that threat following his apology. The dispute followed comments Carragher made on the Stick to Football podcast, before he apologised on social media on Saturday.
Villa statement
In a statement on social media on Friday evening, Aston Villa said: "Aston Villa will initiate legal action against Jamie Carragher for his unacceptable insults about the club and its fans."
The club added: "Aston Villa will not allow anyone to stop our ascension in English and European football."
Carragher comments and apology
Carragher made the remarks on the Stick to Football podcast. In response to criticism from Villa fans, he told them to "shut up".
Posting on social media on Saturday, Carragher said: "I'd like to apologise to Aston Villa , the owners and their fans."
He also said: "I can assure Villa fans it was tongue in cheek but I can understand it's not come across that way, so apologies."
Further claims cited by Football365
Football365 says a subsequent report claimed the two "real reasons" for Aston Villa targeting Carragher were to prove their "ambition" and to keep head coach Emery.
Football365 says it is understood that Nassef Sawiris will not tolerate any further insults or disrespectful comments about the club.
