Premier League ban second Aston Villa player as tempers flare against Newcastle United

Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Aston Villa FC at St James' Park on December 26, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Aston Villa FC at St James' Park on December 26, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Unai Emery, Manager of Aston Villa, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Aston Villa FC at St James' Park on December 26, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Unai Emery says Aston Villa intend to appeal Jhon Duran’s red card against Newcastle United.

Newcastle were leading 1-0 through Anthony Gordon’s second-minute strike when Duran was sent off on the half-hour mark for a stamp on Fabian Schar’s back. The Magpies then cruised to victory with second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton.

As it stands, Duran will serve a three-match ban for violent conduct, missing Premier League fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City, plus the FA Cup third round tie versus West Ham United. Emery, however, finds that hard to accept.

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Jhon Duran's red card gave Newcastle the opportunity to dominate for much of Villa's 3-0 defeat.Jhon Duran's red card gave Newcastle the opportunity to dominate for much of Villa's 3-0 defeat.
Jhon Duran's red card gave Newcastle the opportunity to dominate for much of Villa's 3-0 defeat. | Getty Images

During his post-match rant, the Spaniard said: “Of course [we will appeal]. Of course. Three matches? Wow, it’s hard to accept. Because the foot is not clear if it’s touching. Three matches… wow OK. Maybe because it’s Jhon Duran. We are working a lot with him to teach him always the good way and he is doing this effort.”

Referee Anthony Taylor showed the red card before VAR checked and confirmed the on-field decision.

Emery added: “Today, fair or unfair, VAR is there to get the best choice. Because it’s not a clear red card. The punishment is so big for the player because it was not his intention to do it.

“I could accept if he was watching VAR to punish with a red card. But the referee is the only person on the field who can take time to make a correct decision.

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“The referees have to be intelligent and the first moment was difficult. You have VAR and confirm it please. Because the punishment is so, so high if it’s not clear. I always agree (to use) VAR, so use it please.”

Tempers boiled over in the tunnel at St James’ Park at half-time when a ‘20-man melee’ resulted in Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas being sent off. The FA will investigate further but as it stands, both men will be forced to serve a one-match touchline ban.

Meanwhile, Duran wasn’t the only Villa player to come away from Tyneside with a ban. Matty Cash picked up his fifth yellow card of the campaign for a foul on Gordon inside the opening quarter of an hour.

As per Premier League rules, any player who is cautioned five times during the opening 19 league matches will serve an automatic one-match ban. The threshold for an automatic ban increases to 10 yellows in 32 games from New Year's Day onwards.

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