Nicolas Jackson during Newcastle vs Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson was shown a first half red card during Newcastle vs Chelsea
The Premier League's Match Centre account has explained the decision to send off Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson during the Blues' Premier League trip to Newcastle. The Senegal international was initially shown a yellow card after catching Sven Botman with an elbow, but it was upgraded to red following a VAR check.
"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 Match Centre account wrote on social media. "The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."
The decision is a double blow for Enzo Maresca's side in their push for Champions League qualification. Not only did they find themselves without Jackson for more than half the game, but he will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Chelsea, who fell behind to a Sandro Tonali goal in the second minute at St James' Park, have two more games on the horizon as they look to finish in the top five and clinch a Champions League spot. They host Manchester United in their penultimate game, followed by a trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day.
"That has thrown a spanner in the works. Where do Chelsea go now?" co-commentator Ally McCoist asked on TNT Sports. "I don't think Nicolas Jackson can have any complaints."
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"It was dangerous from Jackson. He knows he is not going to win the ball and sometimes you think you are just going to go in and make the collision happen," Scotland women's captain Rachel Corsie said during BBC Radio 5 Live coverage. "One thing is I don't quite think he meant to make the contact on the jaw."
Jackson's suspension won't affect his availability in Europe. The former Villarreal man scored twice in the Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens, helping Maresca's team progress to the final in Wroclaw.
Chelsea also saw Enzo Fernandez pick up a yellow card towards the end of the first half, and have more bookings than any other Premier League clubs this term. They have only seen two players sent off in the competition, though, with Marc Cucurella the other recipient.
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