Aston Villa shareholders and fans have hit out at chairman Doug Ellis after American billionaire Randy Lerner pulled out of his bid to buy the midlands club.

Aston Villa fans and shareholders are “baffled” by the club’s failure to retain the services of midfielder Eirik Bakke for the remainder of the season.

Aston Villa fans are planning a ‘Show Doug The Red Card’ protest against club chairman Doug Ellis during Saturday’s home Barclays Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.