FA release details of fiery Aston Villa and Newcastle tunnel bust-up

Villa were beaten 3-0 at St James Park in a controversial clash that had seen Villa's Jhon Duran sent off and subsequently sanctioned for his reaction to being dismissed.

Both clubs were charged last month for their part in a half time melee - and the FA has released a statement detailing what happened in the incident.

The FA''s independent regulatory commission has now heard the cases of Aston Villa analyst Victor Manas and Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall, who were both sent off at half time of the clash.

The FA have stated the pair acted in an improper manner, and the Villa analyst now faces a two match stadium ban.

An FA statement read: "It was alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the tunnel area at half time. 

"It was also alleged that the Aston Villa analyst and Newcastle United assistant manager acted in an improper manner during the same incident.

"Both clubs and Victor Manas admitted to their respective charges, and Jason Tindall denied the allegation against him. 

"The Regulatory Commission imposed a £30,000 fine and warning upon Aston Villa, a £20,000 fine and warning upon Newcastle United, and a two-match ground ban and £4,000 fine on Victor Manas. The Regulatory Commission found the charge against Jason Tindall to be not proven, and he will face no further action."

The report also includes a statement from referee Anthony Taylor, who states that the confrontation between Tindall and Manas led to an incident involving around 20 players and staff.

He states Manas began shouting at the referee regarding Duran's earlier red card, as he stood over the entrance to the official's changing room.

Taylor's said in his report: ""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.

"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."

"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."