Joleon Lescott: Aston Villa defender criticised for relegation comment

Aston Villa captain Joleon Lescott has been criticised after describing relegation from the Premier League as “a weight off the shoulders”.

Saturday’s defeat at Manchester United confirmed the West Midlands club will drop into the second tier of English football for the first time since 1987.

Lescott said he hoped in the final four games “we can give these fans what they deserve – some performances”.

But his remarks were called “selfish” and “insensitive” by some supporters.

Former Villa striker Stan Collymore, now a commentator for Talksport, said: “Why is it a weight off the shoulders, Joleon? It should hang on your shoulders.

“There’s the Villa staff – there’s real weight on their shoulders. People are getting made redundant that have been there 20 years and don’t know where the next pay cheque is going to come from.”

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