Former top referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered his assessment of Jhon Durán's red card at Newcastle United on Boxing Day. The Colombian was dismissed after just over half an hour when his studs raked down defender Fabian Schär's back as they both tumbled to the floor following a tackle.
Newcastle had opened the scoring less than two minutes into the game when Anthony Gordon curled home an effort from the edge of the Villa box. The red card hindered any chance of an Aston Villa comeback, with the Magpies going on to score a 59th-minute second and a stoppage-time third.
The decision by referee Anthony Taylor to send Duran for an early bath sparked controversy online and amongst pundits, with both Villa boss Unai Emery and Newcastle rival Eddie Howe brandishing it a 'harsh' decision. Former players such as Alan Shearer and Joe Hart were also in agreement.
After former Premier League official Mike Dean explaned why it was a red card, fellow ex-referee Gallagher also gave his verdict to Sky Sports.
"I thought it was a red card," the Irishman declared. "People say he’s off balance because Schar’s pulling him and that there’s always going to be contact, but I thought he could avoid that. That’s what Anthony Taylor has seen.
"What I like about it is Taylor’s tracking it, seen what has happened and takes his time."
Much of the criticism directed towards Taylor from former players was that he did not take his time. Despite having the option to go to the screen and deliberate his choice, the VAR Graham Scott decided against it.
"I don’t have a problem with that as the ball is dead," Gallagher continued. "He’s probably got some input from the assistants and fourth officials. He’s taken his time, it’s not rash.
"His right leg, it changes direction. That’s what Anthony’s seen. I can see that. The assistant said he’s seen it too. The decision was made in real time, nobody went to a monitor like a CSI breakdown. The process was about human beings made the right decision.”
Villa boss Emery has confirmed that the club will appeal the red card decision in an attempt to reduce or remove any potential ban for their number nine.
