Aston Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia has taken to Twitter to dispel rumours that he deliberately caused public listed companies minor shareholders to panic, in an attempt to influence stock prices for his own financial gain.

The Chinese businessman blamed the accusations on disgruntled ‘Villa haters’, and urged those responsible to refrain from ‘deliberately trying to destroy others’.

The outburst emerged in the wake of Villa’s latest home victory, with Steve Bruce’s side taking the points in a 2-1 victory over bottom side Sunderland at Villa Park on Tuesday evening.

Xia was present at the ground, insisting that ‘a win is a win’, despite Villa’s relatively lacklustre performance on the night.

The chairman has history of being outspoken on the social media site, and was fined £4,000 by the FA in October for comments made about referee Jeremy Simpson following the 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in September.

The Verdict

Xia is very fond of Twitter, with the self-made Chinese millionaire providing regular updates to fans via the social media site.

The Chinaman has been quick to shoot down accusations regarding his conduct in the financial markets, but suggestions that the rumours surfaced from those searching to drag the 41-year-old’s name through the mud based on his Villa links appear unfounded thus far.

Villa fans will be focussed upon what is happening on the pitch, and as long as Bruce’s side continue to challenge for a place in the top-two, fans will be largely unconcerned by Xia’s business interests.

The chairman likes to keep his supporters in the loop however, and the fact he has taken to Twitter to discuss the issue suggests innocence on his part.

Villa fans, are you concerned by Tony Xia's business interests or are you really not bothered? Have your say below...