Aston Villa chairman Tony Xia has taken to Twitter to issue an angry response to accusations he attempted to influence stock prices for his own financial gain.

Rumours had surfaced which suggested the Chinese businessman had deliberately caused public listed companies minor shareholders to panic in an attempt to drop share prices, but Xia has firmly denied any wrongdoing.

The self-made millionaire claimed ‘Villa haters’ had started the rumours, and urged those responsible to refrain from ‘deliberately trying to destroy others’.

The message comes in the wake of Villa’s latest league victory, following last night’s 2-1 win over bottom side Sunderland.

Albert Adomah and Josh Onomah settled the tie at Villa Park, with the three points taking the Villains to within five points of an automatic promotion berth.

Villa fans took to Twitter to have their say on the matter, with many attempting to reassure their beloved owner, but some bemused by the strange situation…