'No one wants to see that': Eddie Howe speaks out after tunnel battle as FA launch investigation

Newcastle United assistant coach Jason Tindall was sent off at half-time during the 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Jason Tindall isn't exactly known for keeping his thoughts to himself when tempers flare, and unfortunately, it landed him in a spot of bother on Boxing Day.

After a needly first half which saw Jhon Duran sent off for Aston Villa on top of many fouls and a lot of heated exchanges on the touchline, things ultimately bubbled over in the tunnel as up to 20 people were entangled in a battle in the St James' Park tunnel.

Ultimately, it was Tindall who paid the price but now the Daily Mail suggests that the FA will investigate the incident and further punishments could be forthcoming.

Eddie Howe has made the incident sound like Newcastle were on the defensive in the tunnel

The '20-man fracas' as it has been described has slightly marred what was a perfect day for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe shared his thoughts on the incident after being asked if the '20-man melee' title was accurate.

"I don’t think that’s far off. These things always start without the intention of it happening in the way that it did.

"There were probably 17 or 18 people trying to calm it down, so what it then looks like is that more people are involved. No one 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 for what you think is right and protect each other. We're all standing up for ourselves in that moment, protecting ourselves.

"I’m not 100 per cent sure what sparked it all because it goes over in a blur. I was right at the top of it. I think frustration is spilling out (from the Villa camp) from what happened in the first-half.

"I saw plenty, but I don’t know the actual details of why (Tindall) was sent off. That would need some clarification for me because I think if you’re going to send one off, you could probably send 10 to 15 people off. So, I’m not quite sure of what he’s been charged with (doing)."

More punishments could be handed down as the FA investigate what happened

Craig Hope has now confirmed that the incident will be investigated and that could see further punishments handed out, whether that is towards Newcastle or Aston Villa players will remain to be seen.

Tindall and Unai Emery were going at each other on the touchline through the first half so perhaps it was a case of Mad Dog trying to bite Emery's leg and Emery going for Tindall's neck to suck his blood ... because he looks like Dracula, you see?

We'll have to wait and see but as it stands, Jason Tindall will not be by Eddie Howe's side at Old Trafford on Monday.