Aston Villa sporting director loses the plot after Jhon Duran's red card versus Newcastle United upheld

Aston Villa went down to ten men on the half-hour mark during Boxing Day's game against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Villa were already a goal down and struggling but Jhon Duran's controversial red card allowed Newcastle to go on to a 3-0 win.

The red card incident came after a challenge from Fabian Schar during which Duran appeared to kick out at Schar with his left leg, then violently bring down his right leg, studs-first, into the backside of Schar.

Referee Anthony Taylor showed a straight red card for the incident causing huge debate among journalists and pundits.

Aston Villa's appeal against Jhon Duran's dismissal was rejected

Unai Emery was furious with the decision while Eddie Howe said, without seeing it back, that it seemed harsh, however, former referee Dermot Gallagher said it was the right decision while the Prime Video commentary team at the time would have you believe there'd been an assault with a deadly weapon.

It seemed very much as though Aston Villa would lodge an appeal against the red card, and so they did, but the decision was upheld and Jhon Duran will continue to serve a three-match suspension.

After receiving the decision, Aston Villa's sporting director, Damian Vidagany, released a statement (h/t Newcastle World) which certainly has a feeling of being typed through angry tears.

Damian Vidagany is clearly not a happy bunny

I felt the decision was harsh myself, but I could also see why it was given and why an appeal would be waved away, but it seem Vidagany was convinced it was a mistake.

“Three matches for Jhon Duran,. You know what? The most damaged here is not Villa - it is the credibility of the ones who made the decisions. We are going to keep fighting, nothing will destroy us and we will overcome all these unfair decisions. And we will behave like gentlemen.

“Hopefully, we will see every weekend if we can (put up a better fight). Also in midweek, I think easier for you to follow us Tuesday and Wednesday. (They are) not really busy days for you. By the way, you have a great team and played better. (You) deserved the win but it was not a red card."