'Disgraceful' Newcastle scenes called out vs Aston Villa after shocking controversy at St James' Park

Newcastle United were lucky not to receive a red card against Aston Villa on Saturday.

In the 18th minute at St James' Park, Joelinton and Sven Botman were booked for their challenges on Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson, respectively.

While the Brazilian midfielder's challenge was deemed worthy of a yellow, VAR reviewed the defender's foul on the Villans' striker.

Botman came flying in to take the ball and crashed into Jackson in the process.

While the Dutch centre-back did get the ball, his actions put the Senegal international under serious risk.

Debates will continue after full-time over whether the 26-year-old defender was fortunate to remain on the pitch in the B6 clubs 1-0 victory.

Should Sven Botman have seen red in Newcastle vs Aston Villa?

Robbie Mustoe believes Botman should've been sent off immediately after his challenge on Jackson.

The former Middlesbrough midfielder blasted the Newcastle defender and was shocked to see him continue on the pitch.

During the game, Jarred Gillett admitted the centre-back's challenge was reckless.

There were eight yellow cards in the game, with the Magpies receiving six.

The referee also called for 14 fouls against the Tyneside club, while Unai Emery's team were penalised 11 times.

Speaking on NBC USA on 17 October, Mustoe said, "The more I see this, this is absolutely a stonewall red card. It's a disgraceful challenge.

"They did check it. He flies in there. He's over the top of the ball. He lunges in with excessive force. How Jackson avoids that is remarkable.

"That's as bad a challenge you can get from a defender. So I'm shocked he's still on the field of play."

How Sven Botman decision could've changed face of game vs Newcastle

Villa got the victory over Newcastle in the end, but every player had to work their socks off to secure the three points.

Botman's dismissal would've completely changed the shape of the game and the centre-back almost made a game-changing contribution at St James' Park.

The centre-back scored a brilliant strike in the 4-1 loss to Coventry City and almost pulled off something similar against the Villans, forcing a decent save from Zion Suzuki after recording an xGOT of 0.25, as per Sofascore.

Botman was also solid for the most part for Newcastle, winning all six of his aerial duels.

As the Magpies searched for an equaliser, they controlled the game, recording 59 per cent possession in the second half, which certainly would've been difficult with 10 men.