'That's what tipped the ref' - Verdict delivered on Jhon Durán red card as Aston Villa await decision
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has shared his view on the decision to show a red card to Aston Villa striker Jhon Durán during their Boxing Day defeat at Newcastle United.
Durán was dismissed after 32 minutes on Thursday when he was caught in a tangle with Magpies defender Fabian Schär, raking the back of the defender with his studs as they both hit the deck. The decision caused a ruckus amongst Villa fans, neutrals and pundits, with the majority considering the red card from referee Anthony Taylor harsh.
The Villans had started the game poorly, conceding after just two minutes. Boubacar Kamara lost the ball to Sandro Tonali in midfield to initiate a quick break expertly finished off by Anthony Gordon. A second-half tap-in and then a stoppage time curler put the game to bed as Villa failed to pose much of a threat after being reduced to 10 men.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, former referee Dean analysed the incident. He said: "There’s a coming together and only Durán will know if he could have got out of the way.
"The way he is running, his foot does go on the back of the defender. That is what has tipped the referee to go for a red card and it hasn’t been overturned, it’s been confirmed by the VAR as well."
Villa boss Unai Emery has said the club will appeal against the decision in an attempt to keep their Colombian centre-forward available in a busy end of December and January schedule.
The Spanish manager questioned the use of VAR after the match, and pundits such as Alan Shearer agreed with Emery that the decision to send dismiss Durán was harsh.
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