Wilder’s Blades were already 3-0 up and cruising to an emphatic win as Saturday’s game at Bramall Lane approached half-time.

When the fourth official raised the stoppage time board, PA announcer Gary Sinclair jokingly proclaimed: “Unfortunately there are only two minutes of stoppage time.”

Though it amused the crowd, Wilder was left less than impressed.

Speaking after the game, he said: “I’ll deal with that because we’re a humble club.

“I apologise to Steve Bruce and the Aston Villa players because it’s not acceptable.

“It’s a little bit of over-enthusiasm.”

“We’re in our second season in the division and it’s one good performance.

“We feel there are clubs in the Championship who talk the talk and don’t walk the walk.

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“I want us to be humble so there’s no way that I will allow that to get out of hand.”

Villa boss Steve Bruce later claimed not to have heard the announcement.

“It’s typical of Chris to apologise because he’s as honest as they come,” he said.

“I’ve known him a long, long time. I didn’t hear it, though. I was more taken back by what’s going on the pitch.

“I have enough of my own worries to listen to the drivel of some commentator.”