Overview
- Sven Botman launched a high, two-footed challenge on Nicolas Jackson that referee Jarred Gillett booked as a yellow and VAR reviewed without upgrading the card.
- Jackson told reporters he 'nearly broke my leg' but said he was fine after the match.
- Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp called the tackle dangerous and said it looked worthy of a red card, while managers gave measured public responses.
- Aston Villa won 1-0 at St James' Park with Johan Manzambi scoring the only goal.
- The episode has intensified scrutiny of VAR consistency and player protection, with no retrospective sanction reported and VAR official Stuart Attwell named as having reviewed the incident.