BREAKING NEWS;Unai Emery faces FA sanction over attempted Aston Villa v Newcastle ploy

Unai Emery could now face a punishment from the FA following his comments ahead of Aston Villa facing Newcastle United, according to Keith Hackett.

The former Premier League referee and ex-head of the PGMOL is convinced that the Spaniard has been “questioning the integrity” of the officials in the upcoming clash.

The Villans are set to welcome the Magpies to Villa Park on Saturday, 19 April, ready to get revenge after the return fixture finished 3-0 to Eddie Howe‘s side on Boxing Day.

In what should have been a competitive match at St James’ Park, Newcastle were comfortable winners after Jhon Duran was sent off after just 32 minutes, after being accused of stamping on Fabian Schar.

At the time, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer admitted Duran did not deserve to be shown a red card, but it was far too late as Emery’s side were unable to make much of an impact in the final hour.

Unai Emery references Newcastle United clash in pre-match comments

Writing on X, transcribing the Villa manager’s quotes ahead of the return fixture, The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell said: “‘Hopefully, today, the referee can have a good match with fair decisions for both teams’

A point message, perhaps, given what went down at Newcastle on Boxing Day.”

Goals from Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and Joelinton were enough to sink the Villans last year, and those memories clearly still live on in the mind of Emery ahead of Saturday’s clash.

While it is unclear if he was referring to the previous meeting between the two clubs, he could face a sanction if the FA choose to question him on them, with Hackett sure of what the Villa boss is up to.