Eddie Howe has stood up for Jason Tindall and insists Newcastle United players were “protecting each other” at half-time of the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, when a melee involving up to 20 people broke out in the tunnel.

Newcastle United assistant boss Jason Tindall was sent off in the tunnel at half-time during his side's clash with Aston Villa.

Newcastle came away comprehensive victors over Aston Villa at St James' Park but saw Eddie Howe's right-hand man Jason Tindall sent off following an altercation at half-time

Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall was sent off after a 20-man half-time melee in the tunnel as tempers erupted during an ill-tempered Boxing Day meeting.

Newcastle United assistant boss Jason Tindall was controversially sent off during the Magpies' stormy clash with Aston Villa. In a game that had already seen Jhon Duran shown a red card for trailing his studs down the back of Fabian Schar, referee Anthony Taylor then sent Tindall from the dugout.

Unai Emery has called for ‘respect’ from Newcastle United assistant Jason Tindall after he was sent off during his side’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Newcastle sealed their victory and have moved up to fifth in the Premier League with goals from Anthony Gordon,

Next Christmas is 363 days away but you suspect Jason Tindall won't be receiving any cards off Unai Emery when the festive period next rolls around. The coaching duo almost came to blows midway through Newcastle United's 3-0 win over Aston Villa,