Silva was withdrawn just before the hour mark with the scores level, and the spectacle was repeated twenty minutes later for Stones. Critics have argued that such displays devalue the integrity of the Premier League, especially since Villa still had European permutations to consider before the final whistle blew.
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer echoed Rooney's frustration, admitting he was baffled by Unai Emery's side agreeing to participate in the ceremonies. "I was surprised that Villa agreed to doing it, particularly with so long left," Shearer noted. "I mean, with half an hour, just over half an hour to go with one of the substitutions, so yeah, I'm in Wayne's camp. I'm not a great fan of that while the game is going on."