How a ‘moment of madness’ led to the most ‘bizarre’ Champions League penalty

It’s a mistake that will live long in the memory, but one which Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings will want to forget quickly.

It’s a mistake that will live long in the memory, but one which Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings will want to forget quickly. The 31-year-old conceded perhaps the strangest penalty imaginable in the Champions League on Wednesday, ultimately condemning Aston Villa to a 1-0 defeat against Club Brugge. With the scores level at 0-0 in the 50th minute, Mings suffered a momentary lapse in concentration, described by manager Unai Emery as the “biggest mistake” he had witnessed in his career. Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez had taken a short goal-kick to Mings, who had been looking away from the action. Clearly not thinking the goal-kick had been taken, Mings picked the ball up with his hands and retook it himself. Club Brugge players quickly spotted the mistake and rushed to protest with the referee. The official then pointed to the spot and the penalty was upheld by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).