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

In Aston Villa news, the Sven Botman Nicolas Jackson tackle is back in the headlines. 

Aston Villa have received backing from the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel after reviewing Sven Botman’s challenge against Nicolas Jackson.

Newcastle United’s defender saw yellow in the 1-0 victory at St James’ Park on 17 October. However, he was found guilty of a red card for serious foul play by the panel.

The decision has thrown more light on a contentious moment in the incident. It happened just before Johan Manzambi scored the only goal of the game. Obviously it has raised new questions about the use of VAR and the criteria that need to be met to change a decision on the ground.

Premier League KMI panel rules Botman should have seen red

One of the main talking points from Aston Villa vs Newcastle United was Botman’s challenge on Jackson. The defender made a strong challenge on the Chelsea loanee. Although he missed with his front leg, he still made contact.

The referee (Chris Kavanagh) gave Botman a yellow card. However, the VAR did not recommend a review.

The KMI panel then took the opposite view to the original decision by the referee. Four out of five felt Botman should have been shown a straight red for a serious foul.

The decision does provide some support for Aston Villa’s annoyance with the challenge. Jackson was put in a lot of pain and could have had a big effect on Newcastle’s afternoon if he had been sent off.

However, there were differing opinions on whether intervention was required. Three panellists agreed that it was appropriate to not intervene with the VAR process. Two panellists felt that they should have advised that a review should be carried out.

Howard Webb explains the VAR decision

Premier League chief referee Howard Webb has also spoken about the incident and given some insight into why the VAR did not change the referee’s decision.

The officials on the pitch believed Botman had made a reckless challenge but had not committed a serious foul. Botman had made some contact with the ball.

This is an important point to make. VAR should only be used if there has been an obvious and clear mistake made. However, in this case, whilst they later decided to favour a red card. The majority still found the decision not to intervene justifiable.

This decision demonstrates the difficulty faced when making decisions on aggressive incidents. It also shows that the panel can come to a different conclusion to the VAR without it being wrong for the VAR not to recommend a review.

Aston Villa secured the points despite controversy

A crucial first half goal from Manzambi helped secure a vital 1-0 away win.

Despite Botman playing out the remainder of the game, Aston Villa managed to hold on for all three points.

The ruling means that there is some vindication for Unai Emery’s side. However, it doesn’t change the outcome of the match or mean that Botman’s yellow card should have been a red card.

It is a high-profile incident from Newcastle’s defeat. One which the panel felt constituted a serious foul, highlighting the fine margins which often come into play when making decisions in the Premier League.