Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has expressed dismay at the prospect of sacking John Duran after he was sacked by Newcastle on December 26.
Colombia international Duran had scored in his previous four games before suffering his worst spell of the season.
Duran was sent off by referee Anthony Taylor after an incident involving home defender Fabian Schar after 32 minutes of the Premier League match, but Emery, Villa fans and other fans and pundits were surprised by the decision.
Here's what you need to know about Duran's suspension. What matches will he miss and why should his suspension be confirmed?
BREAKING: Aston Villa reject FA decision to overturn Jhon Duran's red card 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UaDWdE4hBQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 27 2024
John Duran suspension
Villa will be without Duran for a total of three games, starting with the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday (7.45pm GMT).
He will miss next Saturday's home game against Leicester City (3pm) and the FA Cup third round tie against West Ham at Villa Park on January 10 (8pm).
Duran has played in all 26 of Villa's matches in all competitions this season and has proven himself to be a highly effective substitute, scoring in the first four of five Premier League games from the bench.
Recently, Duran rested the England international and replaced him in the 12th to partner Ollie Watkins.
Is John Duran unlucky? 🥥 #BBCF football #MOTD pic.twitter.com/gbfHqITTna
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 27 2024
Duran red card: Why did the Premier League reject the appeal?
As Emery's comments strongly suggest, Villa have appealed Duran's red card in the hope of overturning the call.
“His reaction to the player (Schar) on him was 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry,'” the Spaniard said. “He didn't kick her on purpose… It's a very big punishment for this act.
“The other team can accept the request for a red card.” Of course. But VAR confirmed (should have intervened) and (not intentionally) because the penalty is now three games.”
Unfortunately for Emery, The Premier League later found Duran guilty of violent conduct following a ban.
Aston Villa matches
Emery can take some solace from all of Villa's performances in impressive winning form without Duran at home.
Brighton were winless at Villa last season, 6-1, while Leicester won just once away in 2024/25, while West Ham lost 4-1 at Villarreal last time out.