The Premier League released an official statement on why Sven Botman was not red carded for Newcastle United against Aston Villa.

Saturday’s game saw a big talking point just ahead of the 20 minute mark.

Joelinton lost control of the ball and then threw himself into a tackle on Johan Manzambi to try and win it back.

The ball ran on and Sven Botman then threw himself into a challenge on Nicolas Jackson.

The referee on the pitch gave the two Newcastle United players a booking each.

The restart was delayed for the VAR to consider the Sven Botman challenge, whether to recommend that the referee upgrade to a red card.

The official Premier League Match Centre (see below) then stating on X: “

The referee’s call of yellow card to Botman for the challenge on Jackson was checked and confirmed by VAR.

REF: “I think it’s reckless. Even though you get a touch on the ball, it’s still reckless”.

Former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock later said: “Botman’s challenge looks a little bit rash, a little bit forceful. It’s such a heavy tackle however, five, 10 years ago it’s not [even] a yellow card.”

(Ahead of the 2024/25 season, the Premier League Match Centre was introduced on Twitter/X. The Premier League Match Centre Twitter/X account launched in August 2024 – Explained what the aim of it was to: ‘Welcome to the Premier League Match Centre X account. This page will provide live updates from Stockley Park including information directly from the VAR Hub. We will issue near-live updates on operational matters from all matches – including clarification on refereeing and VAR. Refereeing and VAR clarifications will be based on the factual information from the VAR Hub and the Premier League Match Centre. Where necessary, additional information on Laws of the Game and VAR process from PGMOL experts will be communicated. This account is open for all supporters to follow with the aim of increasing transparency around VAR and officiating in the Premier League.’)

Newcastle United 0 Aston Villa 1 – Saturday 17 October 2026 5.30pm

Match Stats

Goals:

Villa:

Manzambi 36

Possession was Newcastle 49% Coventry 51%

Total shots were Newcastle 16 Coventry 15

Shots on target were Newcastle 1 Villa  3

Corners were Newcastle 4 Villa 5

Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 39 Villa 27

Newcastle team v Aston Villa:

Hornicek, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Lewis Miley, Gonzalez, Willock (Osula 56), Joelinton (Burn 90), Wissa, Barnes, Fernandez-Pardo (Toure 56)

Unused subs:

Pope, Schar, Bamba, Steur, Dedic, Murphy