Aston Villa are investigating a social media live stream where Jhon Duran appeared to cross his arms in the style of West Ham’s Irons gesture.
The Hammers are interested in signing the striker this summer, but have yet to reach an agreement with Villa, despite Duran having already agreed to personal terms on a five-year deal.
On Friday, Duran went live on Instagram and made the gesture in front of nearly 1,000 viewers. It’s understood the player could face disciplinary action depending on the outcome of the investigation, as the gesture is considered disrespectful to the club, his teammates, and supporters.
The 20-year-old is currently on holiday after representing Colombia in the Copa America, where Nestor Lorenzo’s team lost to Argentina in the final last month.
Duran joined Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for an initial fee of £14.75m, but has only started three Premier League games since then, all at the end of last season. He scored eight goals in 37 total appearances for the club last term.
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Aston Villa pre-season guide
Champions League, you’re having a laugh!
Yes, Aston Villa are competing in European football’s premier competition this season, and yes, the claret and blue faithful are rather contentedly chuckling to themselves.
Just five years after being reinstated to the top flight following a Championship play-off final victory over Derby County at Wembley, Villa have crashed into the established elite and are determined to maintain their place at the top.
With PSR, FFP, and other financial challenges proving to be more formidable opponents than many Premier League rivals last season, Villa Park’s leadership has been engaging in some calculated wheeling and dealing this summer.
Losing Douglas Luiz to balance the books has been the biggest blow so far, but Villa’s disappointment at the Brazilian midfielder’s move to Juventus is mitigated by the arrivals of Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior from the Turin club.
