‘He’s my son’ – Emery on pushing Tielemans

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery played down a heated touchline incident with midfielder Youri Tielemans after substituting him during the Europa League win at Fenerbahce.

Tielemans was replaced in the 92nd minute as Villa hung on to a 1-0 lead in Istanbul.

He jogged to the touchline and reached out to shake Emery’s hand, but the Spaniard became animated and pushed Tielemans in the chest.

A smiling Emery told TNT Sports: «He’s my son.»

Victory secured Villa’s place in the last 16 with a game to spare, thanks to Jadon Sancho’s first goal for the club.

«It might be innocent, but I don’t like that,» former Villa defender Joleon Lescott said on TNT Sports.

«Regardless of what it was for, if it was the other way around and the player refused to shake his manager’s hand, there would be uproar, and his mentality and professionalism would be questioned.

«I’m sure it’s more innocent than it looks, but I don’t like the look of it.»

Emery, who has won the Europa League a record four times as a manager, was managing his 100th game in the competition and said he is «dreaming» of a fifth title.