Aston Villa have been charged by the Football Association for their part in an alleged 'mass confrontation' which is claimed to have taken place out of public view in the St James's Park tunnel when the two sides met on Boxing Day.

Villa were comfortably beaten 3-0 on the day, although the final result was significantly influenced by the fact Jhon Duran received a straight red card for being adjudged to have stamped on Magpies defender Fabian Schar.

That led to tempers rising while on the field of play, and those tensions continued down the tunnel as the two sets of players and members of staff made their way back to the dressing room for the half time interval. At that stage Newcastle led 1-0 thanks to Anthony Gordon's early strike.

READ MORE: Graham Potter makes Aston Villa comment after taking West Ham job before FA Cup tie

READ MORE: Aston Villa and Wolves look on as Man City relegation verdict delivered on FFP charges

Reports emerged after that Eddie Howe's assistant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas were both involved in the furore as both sides, it's claimed, failed to control their players and coaches. They have individually been reprimanded by the footballing authorities, who have already dished out a three-game ban to Duran for what they controversially deemed his red card incident to be an 'act of brutality'.

"Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Jason Tindall and Victor Manas have been charged following a mass confrontation during the Premier League fixture on Thursday 26 December 2024," the FA's statement read. "It's alleged that during the half time interval, both clubs failed to ensure that their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in a way which is improper and/or provocative within the tunnel area.

"It's also alleged that during the same incident, the Newcastle United assistant manager and Aston Villa analyst acted in an improper manner. The clubs and participants have until Monday 13 January to respond to the charges."

What do you make of the charge? Tell us HERE