Jason Tindall photo emerges as unseen Newcastle United & Aston Villa incident sparks '20-man melee'

During a very heated Boxing Day encounter at St James’ Park, the Magpies’ assistant boss was at the heart of the drama.

Tempers flared from 32 minutes onwards when Villa striker Jhon Duran was sent off for a stamp on Fabian Schar’s back. Referee Anthony Taylor pulled out the red card and the on-field decision was reviewed and cleared by VAR.

Not that Unai Emery agreed. The Spaniard became increasingly irritated on the sidelines and soon clashed with Tindall when Morgan Rogers slyly tried to get Joelinton sent off from nothing more than a coming together.

Emery and Tindall were back and forth in their respective technical areas. Emery told Tindall to get behind Eddie Howe and he responded by putting his finger to his lip. Emery isn’t the only Premier League manager Tindall has shushed... just ask Jurgen Klopp.

It all boiled over in the tunnel at half-time. Described as a 20-man melee, Tindall was sent off, as was Villa analyst Victor Manas. United boss Eddie Howe explained: “I don't think it is right to go into details. You can draw your own conclusions, I think. But of course, we're all standing up for each other in that moment and protecting ourselves.”

Graeme Jones swapped places with Tindall on the touchline and he watched the second-half from the press box. It was what Tindall did at the end of the match that further strengthened his unique bond with supporters.

In a nod to the song ‘Last Christmas’ and Newcastle fans singing about giving their hearts to Tindall, the 47-year-old re-emerged in the dugout at full-time wearing a custom-made Wham hoodie with both his and Howe’s face on.

Tindall’s presence appeared to anger members of Villa’s backroom team and he was ordered back inside by fourth official Leigh Doughty so was unable to join in on the victory lap of honour.

But it was enough time for the snappers to get a photo of Tindall, which did the rounds on social media after the game. And it’s fair to say Toon supporters loved it.

“Jason Tindall sent off but still manages to come out at full time with a Wham hoodie on,” one fan laughed. Another said: “Jason Tindall shushing Emery, getting sent off then coming out in a Wham hoodie. Honestly true mad dog icon“.