Newcastle United handed Champions League boost as Premier League explain Nicolas Jackson red card

The Premier League has clarified that Nicolas Jackson was sent off for serious foul play following a challenge on Newcastle United defender Sven Botman. The Magpies have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Champions League qualification following the striker's straight red card, which will see him suspended for the remaining Premier League matches.

Both European hopefuls came together on Sunday at St James' Park as they looked to solidify their respective places in the top five. However, it was Eddie Howe's side who got off to the perfect start when Sandro Tonali fired home after just two minutes.

The Londoners' task of overturning the deficit was made greater when the Senegalese striker was sent for an early bath for an apparent elbow on the Newcastle defender.

Referee John Brooks had initially shown the 23-year-old a yellow card, however he was instructed to view the pitchside monitor and in doing so, he upgraded his decision to a red card.

In a tweet released by the Premier League Match Centre X account, they explained: "VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Jackson – and deemed that the challenge by Jackson on Botman was a serious foul play offence, therefore recommended an on-field review.

"The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."

Newcastle took a one-goal lead in at the break and in doing so, moved to within a point of second-placed Arsenal.

With the race for Champions League qualification going down until the final day, a win for the Magpies would be crucial in firing them back into the elite European competition with Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest pushing for a place in next season's edition of the tournament.

The incident involving Botman and Jackson split opinions on the TNT Sports commentary team with commentator Darren Fletcher and co-commentator Ally McCoist.

The Rangers icon said: "It's one of these, he's has a look.

"I'm not sure, I'm going to cut him a little bit of slack, he puts his arm out to protect him, I don't think it is [a red] Fletch.

"You're not agreeing with me, I can tell.

"It's a forearm but I'm not sure he tries to give him it you know what I mean?

"I don't think it's an out-and-out elbow to the head that's meant but he could go. I think you might be right.

"I'm still not convinced it's an elbow to the chin but there's absolutely no doubt he has a look and catches him in the face."

As a result of the red card and pending a possible appeal, he is set to miss Chelsea's clashes against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.