FridayOL

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has launched a scathing attack on Aston Villa captain Tyrone Mings following a shocking incident that left midfielder Alex Scott with a fractured jaw. The collision, occurring just six minutes into Bournemouth's match against Aston Villa, saw Scott go down clutching his face, and subsequent scans confirmed the devastating news of a fractured jaw.

Iraola, visibly frustrated in his post-match press conference, labelled Mings' action as 'very violent,' questioning the lack of immediate repercussions during the game. He expressed deep concern for Scott's wellbeing and emphasized the seriousness of the injury, highlighting the potential long-term impact on the young player's career. "It’s a very violent action. You see it on the pitch and it’s clear. I don't know why there was no action immediately after that," Iraola stated.

The incident itself occurred during a challenge for the ball, with replays showing Mings' elbow connecting forcefully with Scott's jaw. While the referee initially waved play on, the severity of Scott’s injury quickly became apparent as he was unable to continue and was substituted immediately. The incident has sparked a fierce debate among fans and pundits, with many calling for retrospective action against Mings.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, when questioned about the incident, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but refrained from directly criticizing Mings. He stated the club would review the footage and cooperate fully with any investigation by the Football Association (FA). He also expressed his regret and wished Scott a speedy recovery.

The injury to Scott is a significant blow to Bournemouth, who are already battling relegation. The midfielder has been a key player for the club this season, providing creativity and energy in the midfield. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the remaining games of the campaign.

The FA is now expected to launch a formal investigation into the incident, and Mings could face a suspension depending on the findings. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of on-field collisions and the need for stringent officiating to protect players and ensure player safety. The focus now is on Scott's recovery, with Bournemouth and Aston Villa both hoping for a swift return to action for the talented young midfielder.

The incident has once again brought the issue of player safety and the role of VAR into the spotlight. While VAR intervened later in the game for other decisions, the lack of immediate action on this particular challenge has raised questions about the system's effectiveness in protecting players from dangerous play. The debate surrounding this will undoubtedly continue in the coming days.