Aston Villa apologise to former players affected by behaviour of Kevin MacDonald

Aston Villa have apologised to all former players who were affected by thereported behaviour of their former head of football development Kevin MacDonald.

MacDonald, who was reallocated to non-player-facing duties when allegations of bullying made by a number of ex-players surfaced in December, has left the club with immediate effect following an independent investigation.

The investigation was carried out by barrister Jack Mitchell but the club say its findings, as it forms part of an employee disciplinary process, have only been made available to the board, the Football Association, Premier League and statutory authorities.

However, they did apologise for MacDonald's conduct.

In an official statement, the club said: