Aston Villa intend to appeal against the red card received by Jhon Duran for violent conduct against Newcastle United with Unai Emery saying any ban for his striker would be “hard to accept”.
Duran, 21, was sent off in the 32nd minute at St James’ Park by referee Anthony Taylor after appearing to stamp on the back of Fabian Schar as the two players fell to the ground.
A dismissal for violent conduct typically carries a three-game suspension, meaning Duran would be set to miss Villa’s Premier League fixtures against Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City, plus the FA Cup third-round tie against West Ham United.
Asked if Villa will appeal, Emery replied: “Of course. 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.”
Schar had fallen to the ground following a challenge with Duran, having beaten the Villa forward to the ball. Duran then tripped as the Newcastle defender slid on the turf and appeared to make contact with back of Schar’s left leg with his left boot and then his back with his right boot as he lost his footing.
(Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Video assistant referee (VAR) Graham Scott checked and confirmed Taylor’s on-field decision.
Emery suggested Duran’s reputation contributed to his sending off.
“Yes,” Emery replied when asked if Duran has a reputation. “It’s clear for his reputation. He was saying ‘sorry’ to the player so quickly. It was not his intention to kick him.”
He continued: “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. 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.”
Duran has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals.
The Colombia international had been enjoying a run in the Villa starting lineup in place of Ollie Watkins this month, with the Newcastle match his fourth Premier League start in a row.
Villa were beaten 3-0 at St James’ Park following goals from Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Joelinton.
GO DEEPER
The Briefing: Newcastle 3 Villa 0: Have Howe’s team turned a corner? Was Duran’s red card deserved?
(Stu Forster/Getty Images)
