Aston Villa release furious statement after controversial Newcastle United decision
Aston Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, has publicly criticized the credibility of referees following John Duran’s controversial red card in their match against Newcastle United.
The incident, which occurred midway through the first half, saw referee Anthony Taylor dismiss the Colombian striker for an alleged stamp on Fabian Schär. Despite a VAR review, the decision stood, and the match’s momentum shifted decisively in Newcastle’s favor.
At the time of the red card, Newcastle already held a one-goal advantage. With Villa reduced to 10 men, the Magpies capitalized on their numerical superiority, dominating the rest of the game and securing a commanding 3-0 victory.
This result not only lifted Newcastle above Aston Villa in the Premier League standings but also sparked widespread debate about the fairness of the dismissal.
Post-match reactions reflected mixed opinions on the red card. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described the decision as “harsh,” while football pundit Alan Shearer also expressed doubts about the call during his analysis on Match of the Day. Despite these concerns, Villa’s appeal to overturn the suspension was rejected, meaning the 21-year-old Duran will now miss three matches.
Damian Vidagany took to social media to express his dissatisfaction following the appeal’s rejection. In his post, Vidagany admitted Newcastle deserved their victory but criticized the officials for their handling of the situation, suggesting the decision undermined the credibility of those responsible for officiating the match.
His statement highlighted the club’s resilience in the face of perceived injustices and reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward despite setbacks.
Vidagany’s message read, “Three matches for John 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.”
In his comments, Vidagany maintained a balanced perspective, acknowledging Newcastle’s superiority on the day while firmly disputing the red card. He added, “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. Not really busy days for you. By the way, you have a great team and played better. Deserved the win but it was not a red card.”
The incident has reignited ongoing discussions about refereeing standards in English football, with many fans and analysts calling for greater transparency and consistency in decision-making. While VAR was introduced to address controversial moments, cases like Duran’s dismissal continue to divide opinion and raise questions about its implementation.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, must now regroup without Duran for their next three fixtures. The Colombian striker’s absence presents a challenge for manager Unai Emery, who will need to rely on other attacking options to maintain the club’s push for a strong league finish.
Despite this setback, Vidagany’s defiant tone underscores the club’s determination to rise above the controversy and continue their pursuit of success.
For Newcastle, the victory marked another step forward in their campaign, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities and deliver a convincing performance.
However, the fallout from the red card ensures that the match will be remembered as much for its controversy as for the result.
