Aston Villa's Robin Olsen Booed for Disrupting Kids' Penalty Shootout

Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen faced backlash from Crystal Palace fans after he refused to vacate his goal during a half-time penalty shootout for children at Selhurst Park. While preparing to replace an injured Emiliano Martinez, Olsen continued his warm-up drills, ignoring pleas from Palace staff and fans, which led to a chorus of boos and chants from the crowd. The penalty shootout was ultimately relocated to the other end of the pitch, where disappointed kids were consoled by the club mascot, Pete the Eagle. Olsen's actions were deemed unacceptable by many on social media, contrasting with some who defended him, suggesting that his focus on preparation was justified given the match's stakes. In the second half, Olsen conceded three goals, contributing to Villa's 4-1 defeat. Following the game, Villa manager Unai Emery commented on Martinez's injury and the team's poor performance, stating they didn't deserve anything from the match.