Despite laying just one point and one place above the relegation zone heading into the final two games of the season, there has been talk Newcastle United qualifying for next season's Europa League through the Fair Play League. To do this, Newcastle would have to go through the remaining games of the season without receiving another caution or arguing with another referee's decision. On top of that, they'd probably have to win both those games via 12 goal thrillers where they went a couple of goals down in each. That's how slim John Carver's chances of leading his club into Europe next season. So don't get your hopes up. Talk on the Toon has been rife after the Premier League, along with leagues in Holland and Northern Ireland, was awarded an extra spot in next seasons Europa League thanks to fair play. The 'fairest' club in England's top flight, who haven't already qualified for a European competition, will be given the chance to dine at one of Europe's top tables. And looking at the Fair Play table as things stand (and that's without Jonas' and R. Taylor's respective yellow cards during Saturday's draw at home to West Brom), it's fair to say that Newcastle's chances are more than slim. As you can see, The Geordies' ranking doesn't fair much better than their real life position in the table today, but those of you who thought that United could make up in other areas are about to be severely disappointed. The Fair Play League doesn't just take into account the number of cards picked up in a season, it also looks at: (P/P) Positive Play, (R/O) Respect Towards Opponents, (R/R) Respect Towards Referees and (B/O) Behaviour of Officials. The way the scoring works for bookings/sendings off is that every team in the Premier League starts with 10 points and then is deducted one point for each booking and three for a sending off. Despite United going red card mad in the second half of the season, they are 12th in that category, nowhere near threatening the top. With the way the real life table is shaping up, with the top five teams already booking their spot in European competition next season, it is likely that Burnley, West Ham or Everton will get the spot. (Even though they have already been relegated, The Clarets could still play in Europe next season if they finished top of the fair play league.) When it comes to Positive Play, only Sunderland are rated worse than Newcastle. Big Dick's men were only on 216 points before their fantastic away win at Everton on Saturday, which could have lifted them above Geordie John's men. Newcastle are level with a resurgent Aston Villa on 234 while fellow strugglers Hull make up the bottom four with 236. As the table reads, Newcastle are nowhere near in any of the other relative areas. There's no chance of Newcastle being in Europe next season. Don't believe anything you read. It will be a blessing, believe me. The club has proven over the past two seasons that they can barely manage a 38 game season, never mind one involving a full Europa group stage and a possible few knock-out games. Furthermore, just look at how close Alan Pardew ran us to relegation during the 2012/13 campaign... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
