Tyrone Mings has apologised for stamping on Nelson Oliveira face during Saturday’s 0-0 Championship draw with Reading.
Oliveira was left with a gruesome facial injury after the challenge from Mings, who was making his debut for the Villa after signing on loan from Bournemouth.
The stamp certainly appeared to be accidental, but that was no consolation for Oliveira – who was left with blood pouring from his face.
Reading later confirmed that Oliveira had been taken to hospital with a facial injury, and an image of his wounds was shared on social media.
Mings, who started and completed the full 90 minutes of the 0-0 draw, later apologised to Oliveira on Twitter.
The 25-year-old has previously been involved in a stamping incident, with the Football Association punishing the defender with a five-game ban in March 2017 for a incident involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was, at that time, playing for Manchester United.
Saturday’s 0-0 draw leaves Reading in the relegation places, one point from safety, while Villa sit ninth with four points separating Dean Smith’s side from the final play-off spot.