The Football Association (FA) is investigating an incident that occurred during Newcastle United’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

Newcastle led 1-0 at half-time following an early goal from Anthony Gordon. Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran was shown a straight red card in the 32nd minute for violent conduct against Newcastle defender Fabian Schär.

At half-time, tensions escalated further as Newcastle assistant manager Jason Tindall and Aston Villa analyst Victor Manas were both dismissed following a confrontation in the tunnel. As a result, both staff members will serve a one-match touchline ban.

The Gazette understands that the FA is now examining the incident, which could lead to further sanctions for both Newcastle and Aston Villa if they are found to have breached FA regulations. Specifically, the FA is assessing whether the clubs violated FA Rule E20.1, which obligates clubs to ensure that “all directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, spectators, and persons purporting to be their supporters or followers conduct themselves in an orderly manner.”

Clubs or individuals found guilty of such breaches typically face fines.

Although the altercation was not captured by Amazon’s broadcast cameras, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe acknowledged that the description of a ‘20-man melee’ in the tunnel was not far from the truth.

“I saw plenty of what happened,” Howe stated. “I don’t know the precise details of why [Tindall] was sent off – that would need clarifying – because if you’re going to send him off, you could probably send 10 to 15 others off as well. I’m not quite sure what he’s been charged with.

“I don’t think the phrase ‘20-man melee’ is far from accurate. These situations often start without the intention of escalating to the extent they do. In this case, I’d say it was more a case of 17 or 18 people trying to calm the situation, but it ends up appearing like more people are involved, which isn’t something anyone wants to see.

“It’s certainly not how I want my players and staff to behave, but sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe is right and protect one another.

“To be honest, I’m not 100% sure what exactly happened. These things tend to pass in a blur, and I was right at the top of it all. I think it was a case of frustrations boiling over from the first half.”

Tindall will serve his one-match touchline ban during Newcastle’s upcoming fixture against Manchester United on 30th December. However, according to FA rules, bans can be extended in more severe cases, pending the outcome of the investigation.