Aston Villa’s appeal against Jhon Duran’s three-match ban has been rejected by the Football Association.
The Colombian striker was shown a straight red card after clashing with Newcastle centre-back Fabian Schar during Villa’s attack A 3-0 defeat on Boxing Day. The Magpies were already one goal up by the time Duran connected with a defender, scraping both his boots on Schar’s back. Anthony Taylor showed some hesitation before receiving a clean red card.
In a very short official statement, Villa confirmed: “Our decision to appeal Jhon Duran’s red card in our match with Newcastle United was rejected. The player will now miss our next three games.”
After it became clear that VAR would not overturn the decision on the pitch, Duran placed a bottle of water on the St James’ Park touchline. Unai Emery saved his protests for after the game. “Wow, that’s hard to accept,” sniffed the Spanish boss. “Because the foot is not clear if it touches. Three matches … wow OK. Maybe because it’s Jhon Duran. We work a lot with him to teach him always the right way and he tries.”
The Premier LeagueThe Official Match Center revealed that Duran had been dismissed for “violent behaviour” before adding: “VAR has checked and confirmed the referee’s call.”
Emery felt that the officer at Stockley Park had not been properly consulted. “I always support VAR, but you have to use VAR,” added the Spaniard.
“Today the red card was immediately clear for the referee, he was the only person in the stadium who couldn’t take his time. He has to be intelligent to take his time and make the right decision. In this case you have to use VAR, he has to be smart and calm.”
Duran’s ban ensures he will miss league games against Brighton, Leicester City and FA Cup in the third round at home to West Ham United on 10 January.
READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMORS AND GOSSIP
