New Delhi: Aston Villa travelled to St. Jame’s Park to face Newcastle United on the Boxing Day of Premier League and found themslves trailing in just the second minute of the match. It was Joelinton who surged through the heart of Villa’s midfield before finding Anthony Gordon on his left, and the winger cut inside before unleashing a Christmas cracker that spiralled into the top corner of the Villa goal, where Emi Martinez was left helpless, giving Newcastle a 1-0 lead inside 90 seconds.
However, the Villans’ night got progressively worse in the 32nd minute of the game. They prepared to counter after clearing the threat from their box, as Amadou Onana sent Jhon Duran on the run past halfway. He rushed down the throughball but was beaten to it by Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, and after he swept the pass away, Duran knocked him down. He then looked to stamp on Schar while landing, and after some deliberation, the referee Anthony Taylor issued Duran a straight red card.
“I don’t know if it’s a red card” 🗣️
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran has been sent off! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/A433kBHWcF
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 26, 2024
Was it really a red card?
Jhon Duran kicked an item on the floor in frustration after being sent off for stepping on Fabian Schar 😤 pic.twitter.com/ZezHS5MtBH
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 26, 2024
The question that arises is, Was it really a red card? Well according to certain section of fans and pundits, it was not! If we take a closer look at what happened, it seems like Duran had no intentions of trying to play dirty and step on Schar, as his momentum was something that even couldn’t have controlled. Anthony Taylor showed no mercy as he showed him a straight red, which according to many, was a baffling move to make by the refree who has had his fair share of controversies in the past.
Duran, who was extremely frustrated due to obvious reasons, kicked an item on the floor as he made his way out of the pitch, towards the tunnel. It is understandable for a player to react that way, but this might just turn out to be a big factor for Unai Emery and Aston Villa as they are already chasing the game against the Magpies. The 21-year-old has scored seven times this season for Unai Emery’s side and he is one of the shining stars of this season. His involvement could have been a big factor for them in this important game.
Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran was shown a controversial red card in the 32nd minute during their Premier League match against Newcastle United which means Villa will play with ten men for the remainder of the game. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
