Unai Emery brushed off a heated sideline clash with Youri Tielemans after substituting him late in Aston Villa's 1-0 Europa League win at Fenerbahce. The Belgium midfielder shoved his manager after being taken off in stoppage time. Emery refused to shake his hand but later joked to TNT Sports, "He's my son. He's my son."

The incident overshadowed a crucial victory that secured Villa a direct spot in the competition's last 16. Jadon Sancho scored his first goal for the club, while a depleted Villa side, missing captain John McGinn, held firm thanks to goalkeeper Marco Bizot and VAR reprieve. Emery praised the team's compact performance.

With the January transfer window closing, Emery is focused on bolstering his squad. The win provides vital momentum ahead of a Premier League clash with Newcastle. Managing squad depth and player relationships will be key as Villa balances league and European ambitions, with the tielemans moment serving as a brief but revealing sideline drama.