FA investigation as Newcastle United man set for for Manchester United ban

Tempers flared at half-time during the Magpies’ 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day when both sets of players and staff clashed in the tunnel at St James’ Park. Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas were shown a red card by referee Anthony Taylor.

It came after Jhon Duran had been sent off for a stamp on Fabian Schar in the 32nd minute.

Newcastle were leading 1-0 through Anthony Gordon’s second-minute strike before second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton recorded a fourth successive win.

“I saw plenty. I don't know the actual details of why he [Jason] was sent off, that would need some clarification from me because if you're going to send him off you could probably send 10 to 15 people off,” said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. “I'm not quite sure what he's been charged with.

“I don't know the players' side of it too much, I was right at the top of the stairs so I don't know what happened behind me. But of course, we're all standing up for each other in that moment and protecting ourselves.”

Prior to half-time, Tindall got in a confrontation with Villa boss Unai Emery and appeared to shush the Spaniard after he told him to get behind Howe in the technical area.

Asked if someone confronted Tindall in the tunnel, Howe replied: “I don't think it is right to go into details. You can draw your own conclusions, I think.”

Described as a 20-man melee, Howe said: “I don't think that's far off, I think. These things always start not with the intention of it happening in the way that it did. It was probably 17 or 18 people trying to calm it down but what it looks like then is more people are involved and no one wants to see that.

“It's not at all how I want my players and staff to be but sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right and protect each other.”

A red card results in an automatic one-game ban, though the FA could inflict further punishment after launching an investigation into the brawl.