Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings made a costly mistake in their Champions League match against Club Brugge, conceding a bizarre penalty that led to a 1-0 defeat.
In the 50th minute, Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez took a short goal-kick to Mings, who, distracted and unaware the kick had been made, picked up the ball with his hands.
Club Brugge players quickly protested, and the referee awarded a penalty, confirmed by VAR. Brugge captain Hans Vanaken converted the penalty, sealing Villa’s first loss in the competition.
Villa manager Unai Emery described it as “the biggest mistake” he had ever witnessed, while pundits, including Peter Crouch and Alan Hutton, called it a “moment of madness.”
Mings, who was making his second start after recovering from a serious knee injury, was substituted in the 66th minute after also receiving a yellow card.
Villa defender Ezri Konsa expressed confusion over the decision.
This incident echoed a similar event in last year’s Champions League between Arsenal and Bayern Munich, where a handball after a goal-kick was not penalized.
Elsewhere, Barcelona thrashed Red Star Belgrade 5-2, though the victory was marred by a serious facial injury to defender Pau Cubarsi.
Paris Saint-Germain suffered a 2-1 loss to Atlético Madrid, and Arsenal lost 1-0 to Inter Milan, leaving both teams struggling in the Champions League standings.
