Duran dismissal ´hard to accept´ as Emery rues red card

Unai Emery says Aston Villa will appeal the red card shown to Jhon Duran during their Boxing Day defeat to Newcastle United.

Villa were well beaten at St James’ Park, where the hosts eased to a 3-0 victory to move up to fifth place in the Premier League table.

The visitors played over an hour with 10 men after Duran was dismissed, having appeared to aim a kick at Newcastle defender Fabian Schar as the pair fell to the ground.

The 21-year-old became the youngest player to be sent off in a Premier League game on Boxing Day since a 17-year-old Wayne Rooney was given his marching orders during Everton’s game against Birmingham City in 2002.

However, Emery felt the decision was harsh.

When asked if Villa would appeal against the red card, the head coach said: “Of course. Three matches because of this red card is hard to accept. You can watch the video, the footage was not clear.

“[He is now out for] three matches, maybe it is because it is Jhon Duran? We are trying to teach him and guide him in the right way, and he is putting in the effort.

“The referees have to be fair as well, taking time with the decision.”

Meanwhile, Ezri Konsa acknowledged Duran’s dismissal “killed the game” for the visitors.

“We conceded early and that’s demoralising, and then the red card happens, and that’s tough,” the Villa defender said.

“At times, we defended well as a team, but when you are defending for most of the game, chances will come. We have to learn from this.

“From where I was, it looked like Jhon Duran couldn’t move, but we can’t change it now. It killed the game, especially as he’s been in good form. We have to move on.”

Defeat. #NEWAVL pic.twitter.com/CES3r4dlWH

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 26, 2024