'Nearly broke my leg' - Aston Villa ace makes red card claim

Villa striker Nicolas Jackson claimed a tackle from Sven Botman “almost broke his leg” in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Newcastle.

The Senegal international was left in pain by the Magpies defender’s two-footed lunge midway through the first half at St James’s Park.

Referee Jarred Gillett showed Botman a yellow card, with VAR Stuart Attwell deciding the challenge was not worthy of an upgrade following the red.

But speaking after the game, Jackson said: "I know the referee said yellow card but it was so high and hopefully maybe next time a red card, but it was a yellow.

“I nearly broke my leg but anyway it's part of football. The most important thing is we win and we won, so I'm OK."

Johan Manzambi scored the only goal of the game as Villa won for the second straight season on Tyneside, with boss Unai Emery claiming his 100th Premier League victory.

Asked about Botman’s challenge, the Villa boss said: “Last year, we had a big injury for Youri Tielemans here.

“I am not complaining because I know football is like that and here they have strong players in duels.

“Now we must be ready to play at this level with some duels like that. The referees must protect the players but I am not complaining.

“I have not watched the action. It is something for the players which is hard to compete in this level with the duels.”