Jhon Duran appeal: FA make final Aston Villa decision

Aston Villa have lost their appeal to the Football Association (FA) regarding the red card Jhon Duran received in the Newcastle clash, they have confirmed.

The Villans revealed on their official X account (27 December) that the FA rejected their plea to rescind the Colombia international's suspension after he was sent off in the 3-0 loss to Newcastle.

Fabian Schar was on the receiving end of the striker's challenge, and Anthony Taylor gave the 21-year-old his marching orders for an alleged stamp.

The centre-forward will now miss the Lions' next three games, starting with Brighton on Monday (30 December).

Jhon Duran suspension a blow for Aston Villa

Duran has been influential at the Birmingham club this season, coming off the bench to score some important goals for Unai Emery.

The Spanish manager has recently decided to start the Colombian ahead of Ollie Watkins, with the 21-year-old finding the back of the net in his previous three Premier League matches before the St James' Park dismissal.

Some might argue that the striker was unlucky in receiving the red card, as Schar seemingly hit out at him before the centre forward's eventual stamp.

Aston Villa fans will have every right to be aggrieved by the FA's decision, but luckily, they can count on Watkins to come to the rescue.

While the England international has been pipped in the pecking order as of late, his contributions over the last 18 months can't be discounted.

The 28-year-old has consistently found the back of the net for the Lions over the years and will have a chance to secure his spot once again in the coming fixtures.

Duran will also miss the FA Cup clash against West Ham United on 10 January and the Goodison Park trip on 15 January.

In other Aston Villa news, Napoli have reacted after their trip to watch Duran in Tyneside.

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