In a dramatic Premier League clash at St. James’ Park on Boxing Day, Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran was sent off after being accused of stamping on Newcastle’s Fabian Schar. The incident, which unfolded in the second half, has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike over the fairness of the decision.
Duran’s Red Card Incident
Jhon Duran, Aston Villa’s 21-year-old striker, found himself at the center of controversy when referee Anthony Taylor deemed his actions violent.
Duran appeared to step on Fabian Schar’s back after being physically challenged by the Newcastle defender. Taylor wasted no time showing a red card, a decision quickly confirmed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Replays of the incident offered conflicting interpretations. Some angles suggested Duran might have intentionally stamped on Schar, while others portrayed the action as unintentional, with Duran simply losing balance.
Duran, visibly upset, reacted by kicking a water bottle in frustration as he left the field. His dismissal left Aston Villa with 10 men and made an already difficult game even more challenging against an in-form Newcastle side.
VAR and Pundits React
The Premier League Match Center later issued a statement:
“The referee issued a red card to Duran for violent conduct. The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call.”
However, not everyone agreed with the decision. Pat Nevin, speaking on BBC 5 Live, expressed doubts about Duran’s intent:
“How can you know there’s the intent? I don’t know. There seems to be a second move from Jhon Duran who almost hits Fabian Schar with his boot. In slow motion, it looks dreadful. Duran is furious.”
The debate highlights the ongoing challenges of interpreting intent in high-pressure football matches, even with the assistance of VAR.
Impact on the Match
The red card put Aston Villa on the back foot for the remainder of the game. Newcastle United capitalized on their numerical advantage, having already taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the second minute. Duran’s dismissal added to Villa’s woes, leaving Unai Emery’s team struggling to mount a comeback.
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What’s Next for Jhon Duran?
Duran is likely to face a suspension for his actions, depending on the severity of the offense as determined by the FA. This incident marks a challenging moment in the young striker’s career as he seeks to establish himself in the Premier League.
