Newcastle United and Aston Villa have both been charged by the FA following a ‘mass confrontation’ at St James’ Park last month.
Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall and Aston Villa analyst Victor Manas have also been charged after the pair were sent off at the break during the feisty Boxing Day clash. An eyewitness described the tunnel bust-up as a 20-man melee and players and staff from both sides attempted to drag people away from the scuffle.
Tensions spilled over following a niggly first half where Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran saw red and manager Unai Emery vented at Tindall on the touchline. Eddie Howe was right up at the top, so did not see what happened in the sea of bodies behind him in the narrow tunnel, but the Newcastle boss stressed ‘sometimes you have to stand up to what you think is right and protect each other’. Now, two weeks on, the FA have issued a statement.
“Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Jason Tindall and Victor Manas have been charge following a mass confrontation during the Premier League fixture on Thursday, December 26, 2024,” it read.
“It’s alleged that during the half-time interval both clubs failed to ensure that their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in a way which is improper and/or provocative within the tunnel area. It’s also alleged that during the same incident, the Newcastle United assistant manager and Aston Villa analyst acted in an improper manner.”
The clubs and participants have until Monday to respond to the charges.
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