Aston Villa boss Unai Emery played down a touchline clash with Youri Tielemans after substituting him late in their Europa League win over Fenerbahce.
Tielemans was taken off in the 92nd minute as Villa protected a 1-0 lead in Istanbul. When the midfielder went to shake Emery’s hand, the manager became animated and pushed him in the chest.
Emery later laughed off the moment, telling TNT Sports: “He’s my son.”
The win, sealed by Jadon Sancho’s first goal for the club, confirmed Villa’s place in the last 16 with a game to spare.
However, former Villa defender Joleon Lescott said he did not like the incident, adding that a player refusing to shake a manager’s hand would usually face criticism.
Emery, a four-time Europa League winner, was managing his 100th game in the competition and said he is “dreaming” of lifting the trophy for a fifth time.
