Newcastle United have been hit with a £20,000 fine after a tunnel bust-up on Boxing Day at St James' Park.

The Magpies and Villa became embroiled in a fracas during the festive encounter which saw Jhon Duran sent off after raking his studs down the back of Fabian Schar. The two teams continued to bicker after the first half incident and things exploded in the tunnel as the sides made their way back to the dressing rooms and Jason Tindall got involved.

It was then that Tindall and Villa backroom team member Victor Manas clashed with the FA now taking action. Newcastle have been warned about future behaviour, while Manas has picked up a two-game ground ban - Tindall's charges could not be proven.

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An FA statement read: "An independent Regulatory Commission has heard the cases in relation to Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Victor Manas and Jason Tindall that followed the mass confrontation at their Premier League fixture on Thursday 26 December 2024.

"It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the tunnel area at half time. It was also alleged that the Aston Villa analyst and Newcastle United assistant manager acted in an improper manner during the same incident. Both clubs and Victor Manas admitted to their respective charges, and Jason Tindall denied the allegation against him.

"The Regulatory Commission imposed a £30,000 fine and warning upon Aston Villa, a £20,000 fine and warning upon Newcastle United, and a two-match ground ban and £4,000 fine on Victor Manas.

"The Regulatory Commission found the charge against Jason Tindall to be not proven, and he will face no further action. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for these decisions will be published in due course."

At the time Eddie Howe, when asked if a '20-man' melee had unfolded in the tunnel at half-time and Tindall had been red carded, responded: "I don't think it's far off. These things always start, and there was no intention of it happening the way it did.

"It was probably 17 or 18 people trying to calm it down. But it looks like there are more people involved. Nobody wants to see that. It's not at all how I want my players or staff to be.

"But sometimes you have to stand up to what you think is right and protect each other. I am not 100% of that (what started it) because it goes over in a blur. I was right at the top of it, but I think it was frustrations spilling out from the first half.

"I don't know the players' side of it because I was standing right at the top so I did not see what happened behind me. But of course, we were all standing up each other and protecting ourselves."