LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 15: Victor Kristiansen of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Arsenal FC at The King Power Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Mark Clattenburg’s honest verdict on whether Ezri Konsa should have been sent off during Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Ezri Konsa was shown a red card during Aston Villa’s goalless draw with Newcastle United and Mark Clattenburg has been having his say on the matter.
Newcastle United failed to capitalise on Aston Villa going down to ten men following Ezri Konsa’s red card for the denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.
Overall, both teams will be rather pleased with a point, as Villa were reduced to ten men, and Newcastle will know that’s a tough fixture already out of the way.
The main talking point from the second match of the 2025/26 season will be Konsa’s dismissal, and Clattenburg has given his honest view on the decision.
Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg praises decision to send off Ezri Konsa
Speaking exclusively to TBR Football, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has praised Craig Pawson’s decision to show the Aston Villa defender a red card.
In the 66th minute, Anthony Elanga sent Anthony Gordon racing through on goal after the Newcastle attacker managed to get on the wrong side of Konsa.
The Villa defender sensed danger straight away, but appeared to panic and hauled Gordon to the floor, which Pawson deemed to be the denial of a goal-scoring chance.
Because the Magpies’ attacker had good control of the ball and was closing in on Villa’s penalty area, the decision to send him off was seen as a fair one.
