If people do not think Purslow had wanted Rafa out, they are out of their mind. The signs were all there.
If Purslow did actively seek to undermine the manager - any manager, not only Rafa, and Rafa having a difficult season is no excuse for this - he has to go. Of course Purslow also has shown a distinct lack of aptitude for footballing matters. No doubt he is a man of talent and it's time he brings it to a more suited organization.
Did Rafa contribute to his own sacking? Probably. For all talk about him being a political animal, he actually is not. He's just one big single minded, stubborn man who relentlessly refused to back down on his football, or dare I say, his integrity. Sometimes, however, survival require you to bend in order not to break.
But is he a victim? Very much, coz he should NOT be sacked. Make no mistake on this score.