Newcastle United and Aston Villa charged by FA over 'half-time melee' 
2025-01-09
Category: sports

Newcastle United, Aston Villa and a staff member from both clubs have been charged following an incident at half-time during the sides' recent Premier League match.The Magpies beat Villa 3-0 at St James' Park on 26 December, with Villa striker Jhon Duran sent off after 32 minutes for stamping on Fabian Schar.The Football Association (FA) has charged both teams for failing to control their players and staff following an altercation during the break. Newcastle assistant head coach Jason Tindall, who was sent off for his part in the incident, as well as Villa analyst Victor Manas, have both been charged for acting in an improper manner. Asked in his post-match media conference if the incident could be described as a "20-man half-time melee", Newcastle head coach Howe said: "Yeah, I don't think that's far off."These things always start out, I don't think, with the intention of it happening in the way that it did. "There was probably 17 or 18 people trying to calm it down, but what it looks like then are more people are involved."Villa manager Unai Emery was furious with Duran's sending-off and his frustrations continued throughout the first half.Tindall was later seen shushing Emery in the technical area. The two clubs and personnel have until 13 January to respond to the charges