VAR audio emerges of Jhon Duran red card against Newcastle and it's left fans completely stunned

The audio of the decision to send Jhon Duran off during Newcastle’s 3-0 win against Aston Villa on December 26 has emerged – and fans have had their say.

Duran, 21, has been in fine form this season having netted 12 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

However, at times he has let his side down with emotional outbursts and ill-disciplined moments – namely his challenge on Fabian Schar.

In the 32^nd minute of the fixture at St James’ Park, the forward appeared to lose his footing when running alongside Schar, 33.

The Colombian barged into his opponent before he stamped on Schar’s back then he pushed his foot up towards the defender’s head. As a result, Anthony Taylor brandished a red card.

After the game, Villa manager Unai Emery explained how the three-match ban was “hard to accept” as there was no “intention” to kick Schar.

Villa have since been unsuccessful in an appeal to overturn the three-game suspension.

However, PGMOL chief and former Premier League referee Howard Webb analysed the incident during the latest edition of Match Officials Mic’d Up aired via the Premier League.

"And when the VAR look back on it, he saw that movement of that leg onto the back of Schar and didn't feel that the on-field referee's call was clearly and obviously wrong," said Webb.

"Obviously, therefore, it stayed as an on-field call as a red card."

The fourth official initially explained how the challenge looked “accidental” from his position and suggested “Duran caution”.

However, Taylor spotted Schar “holding between his legs” before adding that he was “going red card” as Duran was “nowhere near the ball”. VAR said there was a clear action of “studs, raking studs, across the back”.

Jhon Duran has been SENT OFF and Aston Villa are down to 10 men at St James' Park!

Did he deserve a red card here?#PLonPrime #NEWAVL pic.twitter.com/LWQIBwMO88

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2024

Duran will be eligible for Villa’s match against Everton at Goodison Park on January 15.

Fans were quick to give their thoughts on the incident.

One fan said: "I'd just about made my peace with the Duran sending off. Absolutely fuming again now. PGMOL is incompetent & the whole system is set up to back the referee no matter what."

Another added: "Taylor is the one with the best view in real time. He's right there and can judge the incident better than anyone."

A third explained: "At this point get rid of VAR and go back to the good old days."

Full VAR audio transcript

4th official: "It looks accidental from here."

Assistant Referee Two: "So Duran steps on the back. For me, it's a reckless act rather than anything more. He's sort of trying to stop and then lands in the wrong place."

Referee Taylor: "Ok..."

Assistant Referee Two: "So, Duran caution."

Referee Taylor: "Hang on, he [Schar] is holding somewhere else here [on his body].

Assistant Referee One: "He is holding between his legs."

Referee Taylor: "I'm going red card."

VAR: "Ok, we've got a red card on-field."

Referee Taylor presents the red card and says: "Nowhere near the ball."

VAR: "Checking the on-field decision of red card. Ok, so there's a clear action of the studs, raking studs, across the back."

Referee Taylor, speaking to the players: "If it's wrong I'll change it, ok?"

VAR: "Ok, show me that once more? We've got raking studs through the glute and up the back."

Replay Operator: "I can show you a wider angle if you want?"

VAR: "Please..."

Referee Taylor, speaking to players: "He's nowhere near the ball and he's put his studs in him."

VAR takes ten seconds looking at the wider angle and says: "I'm happy. Tayls, confirming on-field decision of red card. Check complete."