FA punishments on cards at Aston Villa after latest controversy continues
Keith Hackett will be “disappointed” if the Football Association (FA) do not take action against a couple of Aston Villa chiefs as the Jhon Duran red card controversy rumbles on.
Duran was shown a highly contentious red card in Thursday’s (26 December) 3-0 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, which some felt would be rescinded upon review.
However, the FA announced on Friday (27 December) that Villa had been unsuccessful in their appeal and the three-game ban now stands.
Villa’s president of football operations Monchi, as well as director of football operations Damian Vidaganny, accused referees and the FA of damaging its credibility after upholding the decision.
In response to that, former FIFA and PGMOL chief Hackett exclusively told Villa News: “I said clearly from the onset that the actions by Duran fulfilled the requirement for the sanction of a red card.
“There was no scope here for that red card to be overturned, despite what several pundits had said. Players have a duty of care towards their opponent.
“I will be very disappointed if the Football Association do not take action against the comments made calling into question the integrity of the panel, who have upheld the ban.
“The FA will have to prove the identity of those directors who have posted on social media before any action will be taken.”
Which games will Jhon Duran miss for Aston Villa?
The debate regarding whether Duran deserved his red card against Newcastle will rumble on for a while longer yet.
The bottom line, though, is that the final decision has been made and he will now serve a three-game suspension for Villa.
It comes at a key point in the campaign, too, with games against Brighton and Leicester City to come either side of the New Year in the Premier League, before hosting West Ham United in the FA Cup.
The good news for Unai Emery is that Ollie Watkins will be raring to go against Brighton on Monday (30 December).
Should the England international take his chance, just like Duran did earlier this season, then the Colombian could be out of the starting line-up for more than just the three matches.
In other Aston Villa news, Napoli have reacted after attending a Villa match to watch a player up close.
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