Explosive details of 20-man brawl between Newcastle and Aston Villa released

Details of the dramatic fracas between Newcastle and Aston Villa have been released by the Football Association.

The Magpies' 3-0 Premier League win at St. James' Park descended into touchline chaos on Boxing Day.

Jhon Duran was shown a controversial red card for Villa for appearing to stamp on the back of defender Fabian Schar.

Tempers flared and there was a mass confrontation at half-time between players and staff of each team, both of whom were fined.

Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall and Villa analyst Victor Manas were sent off by referee Anthony Taylor during the off-pitch drama.

The FA have now disclosed details of the 20-man tunnel scuffle that were heard by an Independent Regulatory Commission.

Referee Taylor reported: "I have to report that I, as the Referee sent off Jason Tindall of Newcastle United FC Under Law 12 section: Physical or aggressive behaviour [including biting and spitting].

"At half time when arriving in my changing room I was advised by the 4th official, Leigh Doughty, that there had been a confrontation in the tunnel area which was caused by Victor Manas [Aston Villa head of analysis] who had been shouting aggressively towards Mr Tindall which subsequently caused an aggressive verbal altercation.

"This caused a further confrontation to take place of approx 20 players and staff. I was also advised that Mr Tindall had to be prevented from becoming involved further.

"Post match I have a civilised discussion with Mr Tindall and also advised him I would ask the FA to review any available footage of the incident as he alleged that the Aston Villa head coach, Unai Emery, had confronted him and should also have been sanctioned."

Taylor added: "Following an altercation at half time in the tunnel area approx. 20 players and staff from both teams were involved in a confrontation which was witnessed by the 4th official Mr Doughty.

"I was informed that the head of analysis from Aston Villa, Mr Victor Manas had started this incident by shouting aggressively towards Newcastle's assistant manager, Mr Tindall.

"Mr Manas also started to shout at myself as I moved through the tunnel area, disagreeing with the red card issued to an Aston Villa player, but was not abusive to me, however having asked him to move into the entrance of my changing room, Mr Manas was informed that he would be reported for his actions.

"At the conclusion of the match, I spoke to Mr Tindall who alleged the Aston Villa head coach, Mr Emery, had been involved and also deserved further sanction, therefore I suggest that any available footage from the incident be reviewed."

Fourth official Leigh Doughty added further detail on the altercation: "On route back up the tunnel at the half time interval, I witnessed Mr Victor Manas, an analyst of Aston Villa, shout aggressively and act confrontationally in the direction of Mr Jason Tindall, Newcastle's assistant manager.

"Mr Tindall was positioned at the top of the tunnel heading up the stairs and reacted confrontationally with verbals back to Mr Manas. Then at the top of the stairs I saw Mr Tindall come face to face with Mr Unai Emery, Aston Villa's Head Coach, as a result of this verbal confrontation between Mr Manas and Mr Tindall.

"From that point the mass confrontation occurred at the top of the stairs and into the area outside the changing rooms. As I got to the top of the stairs there was approximately 20 men involved.

"I witnessed Mr Tindall being restrained back by some Newcastle colleagues, clearly acting in an aggressive and confrontational manner. The referee, Anthony Taylor, then got back up the stairs and everybody settled down and went back into their changing rooms.

"Mr Manas remained and Anthony requested he came into the entrance of the officials changing rooms. Mr Manas was disputing the red card decision in the game.

"We acquired his full name and told him he would be reported for misconduct for instigating the entire mass confrontation with his initial verbal aggressive and confrontational actions.

"I also informed Anthony that Mr Tindall should be given a Stage 2 dismissal for his actions as the retaliator and not come out pitch side for the second half."

As part of their evidence, Villa said Tindall waved his finger and shushed head coach Unai Emery 'on three or four occasions'.

They also claimed that an opposition member of staff pushed their director of football operations Damian Vidagany in the back, which caused him to fall over.

However, Newcastle say Manas confronted Tindall in an 'aggressive manner and started to shout at him' in the tunnel', with the latter verbally responding.

The Magpies also claim Emery squared up to Tindall and shouted at him before Eddie Howe positioned himself between the two.

Manas was given a two-match stadium ban and a £4,000 fine, while Tindall did not face any further action after also being charged for acting in an improper manner.