Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran received a yellow card just five minutes into his Zenit St Petersburg debut after appearing to put an opponent in a headlock during a friendly
Jhon Duran looks dejected after conceding the team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Legaue Phase MD7 match between Fenerbahce SK and Aston Villa.
Jhon Duran spent the first half of the season on loan with Turkish side Fenerbahce (Image: BSR Agency, Getty Images)
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Former Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran found himself at the centre of controversy within minutes of his Zenit St Petersburg debut. The Colombian was penalised after seemingly getting his opponent in a headlock before dragging him to the turf.
Duran has courted controversy throughout recent seasons, with his career path taking an unexpected trajectory. He secured a loan switch to Zenit, barely 12 months after featuring in Champions League action for Villa.
The 22-year-old spent two years at Villa Park, netting 20 goals in 78 appearances across all competitions, vying with Ollie Watkins for a starting berth. However, he completed a controversial transfer to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr in January last year for a fee of £64.5 million.
The Saudi Arabia switch materialised after Duran was strongly linked with moves to West Ham and Chelsea, with the forward apparently agitating for a departure from Villa Park. But just months with Al-Nassr, reports suggest a more attractive wage package enticed the Colombian striker to relocate to Turkey when he joined Fenerbahce on loan during the summer.
Jhon Duran against Tyrone Mings during the UEFA Europa League match between Fenerbahce and Aston Villa.
Aston Villa came up against Jhon Duran earlier this season.(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Nevertheless, he struggled to adapt in the country, managing just five goals in 21 appearances before his loan arrangement was terminated. He signed for Zenit on loan in early February, who are currently banned from participating in UEFA competitions due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Duran made his first appearance for the club in a pre-season friendly against Shanghai Port, where he found himself at the centre of controversy just five minutes after being introduced to the action.
In pursuit of a long pass from a teammate, Duran became embroiled in a tussle with a defender. After a few shoves, the forward seemed to leap over his opponent, grabbing him in a headlock and dragging him down to the pitch.
Before the referee could intervene, both players rose to their feet and shook hands. The referee then showed Duran a yellow card and sternly instructed the players to cool down.
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The friendly nature of the match may have worked in Duran's favour, leading the official to adopt a more forgiving stance.
During his stint at Villa, Duran was once sent off after being deemed to have lashed out at Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar.
There have also been murmurs about the player's conduct. The Athletic alleges that whilst at Villa, there were instances of him turning up late and disrupting team meetings, with his behaviour teetering on the brink of violating the club's disciplinary standards.
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