Nope, I didn't expect Marco Bizot to appear on my screen at that point either...

Here's the incident which saw Aston Villa reduced to 10 men.

Danny Murphy
Former Liverpool midfielder on BBC One

The key for Newcastle is speed of play. So many times you fall into the trap of having too many touches because you have so much time and space against ten. They have got to keep the ball moving quickly and get bodies in the box, make those runs in behind that Villa back four.

Image source, Reuters

Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 22 games across all competitions when leading at half time, since a 4-1 loss at Tottenham in November 2024.

At Villa Park, they are unbeaten in 36 when leading at the break, since a 2-4 loss to Arsenal in February 2023.

They've safely navigated the first five minutes of the second half...

Danny Murphy
Former Liverpool midfielder on BBC One

On Bizot's red card being for denial of a goal scoring opportunity:

I'm surprised at that, because I thought it was more for the tackle. There were a lot of Villa players back.

It appears Marco Bizot was sent off for a professional foul as the last man, rather than for the strength of the challenge. Another one for us to take a look at again at full time, of course.

Emiliano Martinez will expect to be a busy man in goal for this second half and already Newcastle are looking to get a quick leveller.

Wayne Rooney
Former Man Utd striker on BBC One

I think Tammy Abraham has been excellent. It is simple, simple football. He his taking care of the ball. His movement inside the penalty area has been good. It is very simple and effective. When you have a centre-forward like that for your midfield and wide players, it is a breath of fresh air.

We can very happily debate decisions until the cows come home in this temporarily VAR-less world.

The facts, however, are that Aston Villa are 1-0 up but will need to try and hold out with 10 men.

Here's the (controversial) Tammy Abraham goal that has put them in front.

And away we go again!

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC one

Whether this leads to Shearer being in favour of VAR in games?

Erm no. I would like the officials to do their job properly. It is not too much to ask, is it?

Ciaran Kelly
BBC Sport reporter at Villa Park

Newcastle United assistant Jason Tindall was deep in conversation with referee Chris Kavanagh as they walked down the tunnel at half-time.

The officials left the field to a chorus of "You're not fit to referee!" from the away end.

Image source, Getty Images

Wayne Rooney
Former Man Utd striker on BBC One

Marco Bizot has been caught in a bad decision. Villa have left him exposed, he is high up the pitch and Murphy has a good touch, then he is in no man's land. It is violent conduct – it is a red.

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa striker on BBC One

I would agree that it is serious foul play [for Marco Bizot's red card].

It's a horrendous challenge. A terrible challenge.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC one

I think it is a red card [for Lucas Digne]. He is endangering his opponent, he is high, late and it is a very dangerous tackle.

He is four yards from the assistant referee. He is lucky. He is very fortunate. It is dangerous.

We've just seen a close-up of Jacob Murphy's cut shin after that reckless challenge from Lucas Digne.

Should that have been another red card for Aston Villa? Hit the thumbs...

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa striker on BBC One

The referee could have quite easily give a red [to Lucas Digne] and I'm glad he didn't and I'm glad nobody got hurt but that could have quite easily been another red.

Alan Shearer
Former England striker on BBC one

For five or six months, they have been relying on VAR and they come into this situation and it all changes.

Similar thing with the Lucas Digne tackle, I think that is a red card as well.

In their defence, which is hard for me, they have VAR for five--to-six months, then come into a huge game without it, so it is difficult for them.

Let's hear what our experts have made of it all...

If you're just joining us, where have you been?

Get BBC One on now as we look back at all the first half incidents.

In short:

• Tammy Abraham appeared to look offside as he gave Aston Villa the lead - but VAR is not in use at this stage of the FA Cup
• Villa's Lucas Digne was then perhaps fortunate to see only yellow for a challenge on Jacob Murphy
• Before Aston Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot did see red for wiping out Murphy, after racing miles out of his goal to try and stop a Newcastle counter before the interval
• Don't miss the second half

Kelly Cates
Presenter on BBC One

Alan Shearer has perked up.