Boxing Day soccer never disappoints, does it? But the Aston Villa vs Newcastle clash at St. James’ Park wasn’t just about the goals, it was more about the red-card drama. Picture this: 32 minutes in, a whistle blows for a foul, and before you can even process it, the ref pulls out a straight red card for Jhon Duran. Harsh or Unlucky? That’s exactly what some ex-Premier League stars are saying. Honestly, what’s your take? Because it felt like a decision that changed the game in seconds.

Let’s not forget what a season they’ve been having under Unai Emery. Ninth in the Premier League and fifth in the Champions League. Speaking of shining stars, Jhon Duran has been their man this season. With 12 goals in 26 games in all competitions, he’s been delivering when it matters. Don’t you feel like losing him for three games is a big loss considering his stats this season under Unai Emery?

Looks can be deceiving, huh? And after watching what unfolded in the Aston Villa vs Newcastle clash, you’d probably agree the ref got it completely wrong. Even big names like Gary Lineker and Joe Hart didn’t hold back, slamming the decision as unfair to Jhon Duran. Speaking on BBC Sports Gary started off by saying, “We believe Jhon Duran was very unlucky. We’ve had a good look at it.“ While Joe Hart did not waste time in agreeing with him.

He backed him up with a detailed take, explaining how Duran lost his footing, twisted his ankle, and accidentally stepped on Schar’s back. “I think it’s a harsh decision. I think the referee guesses on the reaction of the players. When he plants his left foot, he twists his ankle when he puts it down. So automatically, that pushes you to your left-hand side. He has to come back in, which is why he stands on him.”

When you have time and resources, isn’t it wise to take your time and make a big decision like this? Similarly, Hart even criticized the ref for making a rash call instead of reviewing the incident properly, “To make such a knee-jerk reaction and send him off when you’ve got the opportunity to go and look at it and have some understanding of why that’s gone on.”

Not the kind of record you want, but He’s now the second-youngest player to see red in a Boxing Day fixture, right behind Wayne Rooney in 2001. Unfortunately for Villa, the game ended in a 3-0 defeat, and now they’re left without their star striker for three matches. What do you think? Was the ref too quick to blow the whistle on this one?

Like every father the Aston Villa boss Unai Emery also echoed his frustration, But what did he say?

Unai Emery slams referee over controversial red card for Jhon Duran

Unai Emery isn’t one to hold back, is he? And honestly, who can blame him this time? After that controversial red card for Jhon Duran, the Aston Villa boss made it clear he wasn’t happy. “The red card was clear for the referee straight away,” Unlike everyone else in the stadium who can reflect quickly, Unai suggests that refs must act calmly and wisely, ensuring their timely and correct decisions.

Let’s face it, not using VAR has been the smart move here? Emery sure thought so. “In this case, you have to use the VAR. He has to be smart and calm. It has to be like that.“ Hard to argue with that, right? Emery even suggested the ref might’ve been influenced by Duran’s aggressive playing style. Emphasizing that the incident was accidental Unai expresses that Duran was quick to apologize demonstrating that it wasn’t intentional or malicious.

And to make things worse? The FA rejected Villa’s appeal to cancel the three-match ban. That means Duran is out for games against Brighton, Leicester, and West Ham. So, what do you think? Was this decision fair, or is Villa paying the price for a rushed call by the ref?