Aston Villa have had their appeal regarding Jhon Duran's three-game suspension rejected by the Football Association.

The Colombia striker was shown a straight red card after clashing with Newcastle centre-back Fabian Schar during Villa's 3-0 Boxing Day defeat. The Magpies had already taken a one-goal lead by the time Duran connected with the defender, scraping both of his boots along Schar's back. Anthony Taylor showed little hesitation before brandishing a straight red card.

In a very short official statement, Villa confirmed: "Our decision to appeal Jhon Duran's red card in our match with Newcastle United has been rejected. The player will now miss our next three matches."

Once it became clear that VAR would not overturn the on-field decision, Duran booted a water bottle on the St James' Park touchline. Unai Emery saved his protestations for post-match. "Wow, it's hard to accept," the Spanish boss sniffed. "Because the foot is not clear if it's touching. Three matches... wow OK. Maybe because it's Jhon Duran. We are working a lot with him to teach him always the good way and he is doing this effort."

The Premier League's official match centre revealed Duran had been dismissed for "violent conduct" before adding: "The VAR checked and confirmed the referee's call."

Emery felt that the official in Stockley Park had not been properly consulted. "Always I am supporting VAR but you have to use VAR," the Spaniard added.

"Today the red card was clear for the referee straight away, he was the only person in the stadium who couldn't take his time. He has to be intelligent to take time and get the right decision. In this case you have to use the VAR. He has to be smart, and calm. It has to be like that."

Duran's ban ensures that he will miss league fixtures against Brighton, Leicester City and an FA Cup third-round tie at home to West Ham United on 10 January.

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