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 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,

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.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery rages over Jhon Duran red card at Newcastle - The Spaniard could not understand why VAR did not intervene.

Newcastle United assistant manager Jason Tindall was sent off at half time after a reported confrontation with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.

Newcastle's assistant manager Jason Tindall was sent off at half-time during the Magpies' Boxing Day clash with Aston Villa after shushing Unai Emery on the touchline.