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New footage has emerged showcasing the fiery exchange between Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez and Jack Grealish during their intense encounter in the tunnel.
Grealish made his return to Villa Park as a starter for the first time since leaving his childhood club in 2021, with Pep Guardiola desperately trying to turn around the team’s performance.
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Manchester City faced their ninth defeat in 12 games, with Jhon Duran and Morgan Rogers scoring goals for Aston Villa.
The situation escalated just before halftime when Grealish appeared frustrated with the short amount of added time shown.
This sparked a confrontation with Martinez, his former teammate, in the tunnel.
In the newly released footage, Martinez can be heard telling Grealish, “You think you’re a big boy, huh?”
The goalkeeper received a yellow card from referee Peter Bankes for his involvement in the clash.
Grealish faced persistent booing from Villa fans, who had once lauded him prior to his £100million move to Manchester City.
The former Villa captain lost his cool and responded to the jeering fans by raising three fingers – possibly signaling his Treble-winning season or the Premier League titles he has won.
Football legend Michael Owen came to Grealish’s defense on social media, taking aim at the fans that booed him.
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Owen tweeted, “I often witness things in football that infuriate me. Most fans likely feel the same at times.
“That’s quite normal when you care deeply about something that has been a lifelong passion for me.
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“Throughout life, you’ll meet kind and generous people, as well as those who are hostile and envious.
“Your profession or background doesn’t determine your character.
“To the Villa supporters who booed Jack Grealish yesterday, you belong to the latter category and should feel ashamed.”
Grealish dedicated eight years to Villa, scoring 32 goals in 213 appearances.
Since moving to City, he has netted 14 goals in 143 outings, also holding a Champions League winners’ medal.
However, this season has been tough for him as City struggles, with Grealish yet to score in 18 matches.
There is growing speculation that he may consider a transfer to reclaim his form.
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