Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images.
West Ham United’s chances of progressing past Aston Villa in the FA Cup appear to have been given a boost following Jhon Duran’s red card.
The Colombian striker was shown a straight red card after a collision with Newcastle defender Fabian Schar as Aston Villa went down 3-0 at St. James’ Park on Christmas Day.
Leeds in pole position to sign 15-goal Aston Villa star in January!
Alan Shearer has described the red card as “harsh” and Villa are expected to appeal the decision.
However, if that appeal is unsuccessful, West Ham will benefit, with their FA Cup clash at Aston Villa, the last of Duran’s three-match ban.
Duran will also miss the Premier League games against Brighton and Leicester.
West Ham will be delighted to see Duran gone in their FA Cup clash as he scored the winner against them on the opening weekend of the Premier League season: after the link with a move to the London Stadium in the summer.
Jhon Duran: Unai Emery fuming at Villa striker’s red card
Villa boss Unai Emery was left furious with referee Anthony Taylor and VAR after Thursday’s defeat at Newcastle.
The Spaniard is in no doubt that Duran should not have received a red card and made his feelings clear in the post-match press conference.
“For me, no. For me, no. It wasn’t completely,” Emery said (via independent).
He continued: “I can accept that maybe the other team will ask for a red card, OK. But VAR please, and confirm that because the punishment is now three matches.
“His reaction afterwards with the player on him was ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’. Then we can try to analyze whether he kicked it or not. I don’t think he kicked him on purpose.
“Of course we’re going to appeal and hopefully it won’t be three games because it’s a very big punishment for this action.”
