Aston Villa appeal denied, top striker to miss match against Brighton

No player in the Premier League has scored more goals per 90 minutes this season than Jhon Duran (1.05 goals/90).

Aston Villa says its attempt to have Jhon Duran’s red card against Newcastle overturned has failed. The Villains revealed in a statement that the Premier League had rejected their appeal and that the Colombian will have to serve his full three-match ban.

Duran, 21, was sent off just 32 minutes into Aston Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Newcastle at St. James’ Park after appearing to stamp on the back of Magpies defender Fabian Schar.

Ban for violent conduct upheld

Aston Villa’s appeal to the Premier League argued that Duran’s stomp was not intentional and that it was simply due to the forward losing balance after a strong challenge from Schar where the players’ legs got tangled in the aftermath.

According to Aston Villa’s statement, the Premier League and the league’s Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOL) did not agree with that argument.

“Aston Villa can confirm that our decision to appeal Jhon Durán’s red card in our match with Newcastle United has been rejected,” the club said via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

“The player will now miss our next three matches,” Aston Villa added.

Harsh decision from PGMOL

Anthony Taylor’s decision to send off Duran was arguably the most contentious decision of the Premier League’s Boxing Day fixtures. Many, not just Aston Villa fans, felt it was very controversial at the time. More now say it is crazy to not overturn the decision.

Leading World Soccer reporter Henry Winter summed up the overall sentiment well. He called the decision on the day incorrect and the PGMOL’s decision to uphold the ban harsh.

“Jhon Duran loses red card appeal. Three-game ban stands. Harsh,” he said.

“He was off-balance, it wasn’t a stamp, he has to put his foot somewhere. Aston Villa have every right to feel aggrieved by initial decision and now rejection of appeal.”

Duran replacements for Villa

As harsh as Duran’s ban seems, Aston Villa are one club who can afford to lose a striker like him.

Unai Emery has Ollie Watkins on his bench, who is more than capable of leading the line for the Villains.

The Englishman has scored the same amount of goals as Duran this season (7) and actually started the campaign as Aston Villa’s starting forward, before being replaced by Duran.

Villa’s next three opponents are also very favourable, so Duran’s absence should not be felt too strongly.

The Villains are set to host Brighton in Matchweek 19. Then, they will take on Leicester City in the Premier League before battling West Ham in the FA Cup on January 10.

Conclusion

Our EPL predictions have Villa as the clear favourites for both their matches against Brighton and Leicester. The West Ham match could be tighter, but we expect the betting sites will strongly favour Villa, even without Duran.