'Not really' - Aston Villa chief pokes fun at Newcastle United with Champions League reminder

Newcastle ran out 3-0 winners at St James’ Park but the afternoon wasn’t without its drama after Jhon Duran saw red for a stamp on Fabian Schar’s back in the 32nd minute before tempers boiled over into the tunnel at half-time.

That resulted in Magpies’ assistant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas being sent off. Tindall will serve a one-match touchline ban for United’s trip to Manchester United on Monday yet both teams could still face further punishment after the FA launched an investigation into events.

The three red cards came when Eddie Howe’s side were leading 1-0 at half-time through Anthony Gordon’s second-minute strike Second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton then completed a comfortable victory.

Villa boss Unai Emery felt Duran’s dismissal changed the flow of the game and ranted about the decision during his post-match press conference. The Spaniard’s frustrations were shared by Vidagany, who wrote on X: " 3 matches [ban] for Jhon Duran. You know what? The most damaged here is not Villa.

“It is the credibility of the ones that made this decisions.. We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all this unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentleman.

One Newcastle supporter responded: "Hopefully the fight is stronger than that whimper we witnessed yesterday, Damian." Vidagany then poked fun at Howe’s side men for not being in the Champions League this campaign.

"Hopefully,” he replied. “We will see every weekend if we can. Also in the midweek. I think easier for you to follow us Tuesday and Wednesday. Not really busy days for you. By the way, you have a great team and played better. Deserved the win. But it was not a red card."

Villa appealed Duran’s red card but the decision was upheld. The Colombian striker will miss Premier League games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City, and West Ham United in the FA Cup.