Eddie Howe comments on unseen half-time incident in Newcastle vs Aston Villa as FA begin investigation

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Newcastle’s emphatic win against Aston Villa was marred by one unseen moment during the break.

It was yet another complete performance from the Magpies as they brushed past Villa at St James’ Park on Thursday thanks to goals from Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and a returning Joelinton.

The game was a feisty one with Jhon Duran seeing red in the first half and Joelinton also lucky to stay on the pitch after an incident involving him and Morgan Rogers.

Toon boss Eddie Howe will be pleased with the performance despite the feistiness with Newcastle’s win against Villa moving his side up to fifth in the table, a provisional Champions League spot if the UEFA coefficient spots go their way.

While the result is one thing, there was another incident which occurred during half-time that needed a response from Howe.

Eddie Howe comments on half-time altercation

Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall and a member of Aston Villa’s coaching team were sent off during half-time for an altercation in the tunnel forcing Howe to spend the second half alone.

It has since been reported that the FA will investigate that moment with the feeling that charges will be distributed to those involved.

Post-match, Howe was asked about the incident.

“No-one wants to see that, it’s not at all how I want my players or staff to be,” Howe said.

“But sometimes you have to stand up to what you think is right and protect each other. It was frustration spilling out from the first half, but of course, we’re all standing up for ourselves in that moment, protecting ourselves.

“And when you’re as competitive as we want to be, things sometimes spill over. It was all a blur and I’m not sure what Jason’s been charged with but if you send him off you could have sent 10 or 15 people off.”

Eddie Howe must look to Graeme Jones for support

With Tindall’s absence all but confirmed for Monday’s game against Manchester United, Howe must now look to his coaching staff to become the touchline presence that Tindall is.

It’s a moment like this where Howe must look to first-team coach, Graeme Jones to step in.

Jones joined Newcastle in 2021 as an assistant under the previous manager Steve Bruce. However, once Bruce left and Howe was appointed he was kept on due to his previous affiliation with Tindall albeit in a different role.

Jones spent part of the second half alongside Howe on Thursday but will need to reprise his role once again with Tindall missing out.