Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Premier League)
Alan Shearer believes Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran dealt with his red card in Saturday’s heavy defeat to Newcastle United.
Village They were already 1-0 down to an Anthony Gordon goal in the second minute on Saturday, but had managed to settle and create a few half chances.
However, their hopes of getting a result in St. James’ Park were effectively broken just after the half-hour when Duran received a straight red card.
The Colombian forward was in a race for the ball with Fabian Schar, with both players falling to the ground. On the way down, Duran’s right foot landed on Schar’s back and, at first glance, it looked like he had hit the Swiss defender.
Replays, however, made it look more like Duran’s left ankle had rolled, leaving him compensating and looking for a place to land his right foot.
However, VAR was unable to overturn the decision, with Duran given his marching orders.
Aston Villa lost the game 3-0, with Alexander Isak and Joelinton scoring in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory of Newcastle.
Alan Shearer: red card to Jhon Duran “hard”
Magpies legend Shearer reviewed the incident for BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday.
The former England international believes referee Anthony Taylor’s decision was “harsh)” and sympathizes with the situation Duran found himself in.
“I thought it was a bit harsh,” Shearer said (via Live news).
“When you’re traveling at that speed, how can you be sure he doesn’t have anywhere else to put his foot? Once the referee gave the red, there was no way to overturn it.”
Aston Villa intend to appeal Duran’s three-match ban, but as it stands, he will miss the Premier League games against Brighton and Leicester, as well as the FA third round clash Cup with West Ham – all at home – before returning to the trip to Everton in mid-January.
