Aston Villa chief sends pointed Newcastle United message as Jhon Duran red card is upheld

Aston Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany has echoed the sentiments of Monchi in the wake of Jhon Duran's red card at Newcastle United on Boxing Day beind upheld - and he reminded a Magpies supporter that they can tune in to watch Villa in the Champions League in the New Year.

Villa were turned over 3-0 on Tyneside thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Joelinton - indeed Villa have lost five of their last six against Newcastle and haven't won at St James' Park since 2005, when Lee Bowyer, Kieron Dyer and Stephen Taylor were sent off for the hosts.

Still, Villa have followed in Newcastle's footsteps in recent times by breaking the stranglehold on the Champions League places that the 'Big Six' have had in recent history. This year, they're all set to continue into the next round of the competition after claiming 13 points from the 18 available to them so far. Clashes with Monaco and Celtic await next month.

READ: Unai Emery awaits big Aston Villa boost for Brighton clash

READ: Monchi breaks silence on Duran controversy as Villa appeal rejected

While Villa will have to cope without Duran for the foreseeable future as he serves his suspension, Vidagany has questioned the decision to not overturn the sending off but has implored Villa to continue and overcome the setback - and he responded to a retort from a Newcastle fan in the process.

"3 matches for Jhon Duran," Vidagany posted. "You know what? The most damaged here is not Villa - is the credibility of the ones that made the decisions...we are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all this [sic] unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen."

The Newcastle supporter replied: "Hopefully the fight is stronger than that whimper we witnessed yesterday, Damian."

Vidagany indicated in reply that the Toon fan may watch Villa on those Champions League night as Newcastle themselves won't be in action: "Hopefully. We will see every weekend if we can. Also in the midweek. I think easier for you to follow us Tuesday and Wednesday. Not really busy days for you. By the way, you have a great team and played better. Deserved the win. But it was not a red card."

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