Aston Villa star hit by £15,000 fine after admitting FA charge
Villa striker Jhon Duran has been fined £15,000 by the FA for kicking a water bottle following his sending-off at Newcastle on Boxing Day.
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The Colombia international accepted a charge of improper conduct and apologised for his actions, admitting in a statement his behaviour had been unacceptable.
Duran kicked the bottle after being dismissed for what referee Anthony Taylor deemed a deliberate stamp on Newcastle defender Fabian Schar. The 21-year-old subsequently served a three-match ban after Villa unsuccessfully appealed the decision.
Duran was then charged retrospectively for the water bottle incident, which occurred while he stood in the technical area after leaving the pitch.
A three-person regulatory commission reviewed footage which showed the bottle travelling between 30 to 40 yards across the pitch.
The commission noted: “The fact the bottle did not strike anyone seemed to be more attributable to luck rather than judgement.”
But the fact Duran may have been frustrated at what he deemed an unfair decision was also taken into account and the commission decided a financial sanction, rather than any further suspension, was the appropriate punishment.
It concluded: “A sporting sanction would be too severe. It was determined a significant financial sanction would be more appropriate.”
Duran is Villa's top scorer this season, with 12 goals in all competitions.