Aston Villa threatens legal action as Carragher apologises

Aston Villa said it will initiate legal action against Jamie Carragher over remarks about the club and its supporters, prompting the former Liverpool defender to apologise for language he called clumsy and wrong. The club’s statement, posted on social media on Friday and signed by chairman Nassef Sawiris, described Carragher’s comments as unacceptable insults. It said Villa would not allow anyone to stop its progress in English and European football. The club did not state the legal basis for the proposed action, and the announcement does not establish that proceedings have been filed. Carragher apologised on social media on Saturday to Villa, its owners and fans. He said he intended the comments as a joke but understood they had not come across that way. He also wished the club well. The comments were made on the Stick to Football podcast during a discussion about Villa manager Unai Emery and speculation that he could be considered for the Manchester United job if Michael Carrick were dismissed. Carragher argued that football has a hierarchy and said Villa would not be Manchester United. He also told Villa supporters who had criticised his suggestion to shut up, using an...