ASTON VILLA have been ordered to improve the way they protect rising young players from bullying after a Premier League inquiry into the behaviour of under-23s coach Kevin MacDonald.
The club have been warned they need to make drastic changes to procedure after a complaint was made by a youth team player and his family.
Though they are currently playing in the Championship, the allegations came under the jurisdiction of the Premier League because they were still a top flight club when they came to light.
MacDonald, who has been interim first team manager at Villa, was claimed to have bullied and shamed players in his group, using abusive language and personal insults.
The Telegraph say the youngster, who remains anonymous, has received support from an organisation called the Players Trust since the problems came to light.
In a letter, the Premier League told the parent: “After dissatisfaction at the club’s response to our initial inquiry, we commissioned an independent review.
“There was a failure by several club personnel to take responsibility for dealing with the concerns raised by you and your son.”
It accused Villa of showing “a lack of focus on player welfare, failure by the club to implement its procedures and poor communications.”
Villa insist they had helped the Premier League conduct their investigation, and added: "The club considers the safeguarding and welfare of all players to be of paramount importance.
"To this end it has recently appointed a full-time safeguarding and welfare officer to ensure the safeguarding and welfare of all players and staff.
"The club has co-operated fully with the Premier League in respect of its investigation and is currently reviewing the Premier League's recommendations with a view to further improving its safeguarding."
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