ASTON Villa have been praised after donating their portion of the Carabao Cup's gate receipts to Barrow AFC.

The Premier League club were due 45 per cent of the gate money from Tuesday’s Carabao Cup second round tie under competition rules.  But Villa, who won the game 6-0, have decided to hand the money back to the Holker Street club.

Barrow described the gesture as “a fantastic show of class and generosity” on the part of the Villans.

Chairman Paul Hornby said: “It’s just a wonderful gesture and we’re so grateful for their generosity.

Bluebirds have come out in support of the gesture.

The Observer said: "That is fantastic, maybe Premier league clubs should play lower league teams in out of season friendlies and donate all the takings.

"Can you imagine if Liverpool or the Manchester clubs played at Barrow in a friendly?"

Julie Elleray said: "Fantastic gesture. My love of football came from going to Holker Street with my dad and pop from when I was very small."

Ray Guselli said: "This is a wonderful gesture and an incredible example to other Premier league teams.  All credit to Villa for their generosity."

Andrew McDonald said: "You can often lose faith in the Premier League but this is how it should be done."

Stuart Metcalfe said: "I think with Villa's great gesture they have touched a lot of Barrovians' hearts top team."

Anne Burns said: "Wow, that is such great news.  Really helping teams in the smaller leagues; a chance to be able to survive."

John Alison joked: "Well done Villa, maybe we could have a couple of players on a season loan as well?

Bluebirds boss Mark Cooper has called for the expected six-figure proceeds to be invested in infrastructure at Barrow with the manager using post-match interviews to highlight the lack of training facilities which he said was hampering his squad’s preparation.