Jhon Duran has lost his appeal over his sending-off at Newcastle.
The Colombian striker was dismissed in the first-half of Villa’s 3-0 defat at St James’s Park. He was adjudged to have stood on defender Fabian Schar as he chased a ball upfield.
Villa boss Unai Emery was unhappy with the decision and immediately launched an appeal. However, the club learned today that the original decision stands.
Duran will now serve a three-match ban for violent conduct. The club is understood to be both ‘surprised and disappointed’ by the verdict.
The decision to dismiss Duran has been widely questioned, with a number of former players questioning how such a definitive decision could be made. That the ban that comes with it has now been upheld is likely to only baffle further.
Pat Nevin on BBC 5 Live was surprised by the decision, believing it was tough to ascertain intent but admitting replays looked poor for Duran. He said: "How you can know there's intent? I don't really know. 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."
Premier League legend and former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer insisted the decision was harsh.
“When you’re travelling at that much speed how can you be certain that he’s got nowhere else to put his foot?" questioned Shearer. "Once the referee has given the red there was no way they were going to overturn it.”
Villa boss Unai Emery had his say on the matter too, declaring post-game: "Three matches because of this red card is hard to accept. You can watch the video, the foot was not clear.
"Three matches now out, maybe it is because it is Jhon Duran. We are trying to teach him and get of him as well a good way and he is doing this effort. He is doing the way we are trying to get of him. The referees have to be fair as well, taking time with the decision.
"He was saying so quick: ‘Sorry, sorry’. He had no intention in that action to kick him."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27.
Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.