Sven Botman Nicolas Jackson tackle: Premier League panel rules Sven Botman should have been sent off

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel ruled that Newcastle United defender Sven Botman should have been sent off for a tackle on Nicolas Jackson. Four out of five panel members concluded the challenge warranted a straight red card for serious foul play. Botman had received only a yellow card from referee Chris Kavanagh during Aston Villa's 1-0 victory at St James' Park on October 17.

Despite the panel's ruling on the tackle, a majority of three members supported VAR's decision not to intervene during the match. Chief referee Howard Webb explained on-field officials deemed the tackle reckless rather than serious foul play, noting Botman made some contact with the ball. Johan Manzambi scored the match's only goal to secure all three points for Unai Emery's side.