OPINION
One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure and Aston Villa fans were delighted after it was reported that Leicester were recalling Harvey Barnes from West Brom.
The Telegraph’s John Percy delivered the blow that all West Brom fans were fearing on Friday morning, saying that Barnes, who had scored nine goals on loan, was heading back to his parent club.
Huge blow for West Brom – Harvey Barnes is heading back to #lcfc after being recalled. Barnes has scored 9 goals on loan at Albion #wba
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) January 11, 2019
It’s a massive blow for West Brom, but it’s the danger when your star players are just on loan. Aston Villa nearly lost their star man Tammy Abraham last week, but the striker decided to stay at Villa Park and help their push for promotion.
If Baggies fans were hoping that might get them some sympathy from their local rivals, they were sorely mistaken.
But this goes beyond just petty rivalry. West Brom and Aston Villa are rivals for the play-off spots as well this season, and West Brom will be a different proposition without Barnes. He’s been one of their standout players this season, providing real attacking purpose and returns down the flanks.
But, while West Brom fans were sobbing into their cereal, Aston Villa fans were absolutely loving life.
Here are the best reactions on Twitter:
— Tim F (@timfisher51) January 11, 2019
— George Smyly (@gsmyly) January 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/MrAstonVillan/status/1083674008279834625
https://twitter.com/Rick_avfc1/status/1083674452792147970
I think #wba will miss Barnes more than we would potentially miss Tammy. #ouch #avfc
— Oakley Doakley (@Gazoaks) January 11, 2019
Didn’t I see #WBA fans laughing about the Abraham situation? ? #AVFC https://t.co/ASxkjCyISf
— Carl Knight (@TheCarlKnight) January 11, 2019
Great news for the rest of the league though #avfc https://t.co/4ltigmj1Rx
— Jake (@Jakeyb14) January 11, 2019
??? #AVFC https://t.co/H5uSyRgU6B
— Gary Smith Jnr (@GarySmithJnr) January 11, 2019
Pretty much the same impact as us losing Grealish. Expect a dip as they adjust. #avfc
— Rob Jones (@UpTheAstonVilla) January 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/adydotbeasley/status/1083674748180156416