Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler during the Premier League match with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery on the sidelines ahead of the Bou...
Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Wed 11 February 2026 22:10, UK
Aston Villa’s 1-0 win with Brighton was marred by an early controversy on Wednesday.
Unai Emery was hoping that his side would get back to winning ways after the recent loss to Bournemouth and the draw with Brentford.
The Villa Park side started better on 11 February, but they went in level at the break, which will not have pleased the Spaniard.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has spoken out about one specific incident in the first half of the clash in B6.
What was controversial about Aston Villa vs Brighton
Carlos Baleba was booked in the second minute of the contest for holding Morgan Rogers back as the Villans tried to attack.
The Cameroon midfielder then clattered into Amadou Onana just minutes later, after the ball was already gone.
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Hackett believes that while the challenge was made with the player on a yellow, it was the right decision to not send him off.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, he said: “The player is fouled, but I find myself agreeing with the referee that this is not a reckless challenge but careless.
“Not issuing a second yellow is the correct call by the referee.”
Gabby Agbonlahor furious over Baleba incident
Pundit and former Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor took to social media to speak over the lack of a red card.
He felt that the 22-year-old should have been dismissed and the Seagulls should have been reduced to 10 men for the rest of the contest, rather than actual outcome, where he remained on the field.
Brighton star Carlos Baleba in action, Gabby Agbonlahor's X post underneath.
Credit: Imago
He took to X on 11 February, saying: “How hasn’t Baleba got a second yellow then?? [Expletive] consistency!!!”
It was telling that Fabian Hurzeler made the decision to replace the young star in the 22nd-minute of the contest.
On another day, that would not have been an option, as he would have been given his marching orders, and referees need to be more consistent.
Villa are chasing the Champions League, they need decisions to go in their favour, and they will not agree with Hackett’s assessment this time around, even with his pedigree in the game.
They will feel like Agbonlahor does, that it should have been a second yellow, and they should have had a man advantage for the majority of the contest.
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