Premier League release statement on Jhon Duran's 'dreadful' red card at Newcastle

The Premier League have released a statement following Jhon Duran's controversial red card against Newcastle United.

The Aston Villa striker stood on the back Toon Army defender Fabian Schar and was judged to have committed a violent conduct offence. As a result Anthony Taylor brandished a red card and had his decision confirmed by the video assistant referee in swift fashion.

Duran was left perplexed by Taylor's decision to show him red and was reluctant to leave the field. The 21-year-old then booted a water bottle in frustration as he made his way down the tunnel at St James' Park, while Unai Emery remained unmoved in the dugout.

Replays of the incident appeared to show differing levels of fault. Some angles made it appear as if Duran intentionally placed his foot on top of Schar after receiving a rough challenge from his Swiss opponent. Others looked as if he was simply off balance as he trundled on his sliding opponent.

Premier League Match Centre offered a succint explanation of what had transpired in Taylor's decision-making. Despite Duran's surpise, there was little uncertainty in his punishment from officials.

Their statement read: "The referee issued a red card to Durán for violent conduct. The VAR checked and confirmed the referee’s call."

Pat Nevin on BBC 5 Live was surprised by the decision. The former Chelsea star believed it was tough to ascertain intent but admitted replays looked poor for Duran.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

"How you can know there's intent? I don't really know," he said. There seems to be a second move from Jhon Duran who almost hits Fabian Schar with his boot. On slow motion it looks dreadful. Duran is furious."

The red card made Aston Villa's task even more difficult against Newcastle. The Magpies opened the scoring on Boxing Day through Anthony Gordon in just the second minute.

Duran was playing in his fourth successive start having scored in his previous three matches again Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Mancheser City. The Colombian will remember his trip to the North East less fondly.

The drama did not end there however as Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall and a Villa analyst were also given their marching orders during the break after an interaction in the tunnel. Neither returned to the dugouts following half-time.

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