FA launch investigation into 20-man brawl at Newcastle vs Aston Villa and action expected

The FA have launched an investigation into a mass brawl that took place during Newcastle's 3-0 win over Aston Villa. A 20-man melee took place in the tunnel at half-time at St James' Park following a fiery first-half which saw away striker Jhon Duran sent off.

Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall was red carded and sent to the stands, along with Villa analyst Victor Manas

Home boss Eddie Howe later insisted he didn't know why his right-hand man was dismissed, but insisted his players and staff had a responsibility to protect themselves.

The FA have now confirmed that are investigating the melee, with punishments expected to follow. Both teams appear in danger of breaking Rule E20.1, that "requires clubs to ensure all representatives conduct themselves in an orderly fashion."

Tempers had already flared on the pitch and the sidelines on the 32-minute mark when Duran received a straight red card for violent conduct after a challenge on Fabian Schar. Referee Anthony Taylor ruled the Comombian striker had deliberately stamped on Schar's back after the Newcastle defender slid in for a challenge.

Duran protested the contact was accidental, and kicked a water bottle in frustration. Villa boss Unai Emery was also unhappy, and his anger deepened when the official was not told by video assistant referee (VAR) Graham Scott to review the decision.

Howe later admitted he wasn't certain what kick-started the ugly scenes. "I’m not 100 per cent sure what sparked it all because it goes over in a blur," he said. "I was right at the top of it. I think frustration is spilling out (from Villa) from what happened in the first-half.

"I saw plenty, but I don’t know the actual details of why Jason was sent off. That would need some clarification for me because I think if you’re going to send one off, you could probably send 10 to 15 people off. So, I’m not quite sure of what he’s been charged with."

He also conceded the scenes were regrettable but did defend his staff and players. "There were probably 17 or 18 people trying to calm it down, so what it then looks like is that more people are involved," he added.

"No one wants to see that. It’s not at all how I want my players or staff to be, but sometimes you have to stand up for what you think is right and protect each other. We're all standing up for ourselves in that moment, protecting ourselves."

Emery meanwhile, refused to comment on why he felt his analyst was sent to the stands. The result took Newcastle a point above Villa and into fifth place in the Premier League.