Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca couldn’t hide his frustration with an unnecessary Nicolas Jackson red card.
The Blues’ main striker only lasted 35 minutes in a big clash with Newcastle before being sent off for a painful elbow on Sven Botman.
Jackson flew into Botman
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Jackson flew into Botman
Maresca wasn't interested as his striker left the pitch
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Maresca wasn't interested as his striker left the pitchCredit: Getty
Referee John Brookes upgraded his yellow to a red after VAR intervention, and although Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill showed their displeasure with the call, Maresca appeared to direct his disappointment elsewhere.
Journalist Simon Johnson of The Athletic reported that the Italian coach didn’t even look at or acknowledge his striker as he walked off the pitch.
Jackson has underwhelmed since his £32million signing from Villarreal in 2023 and 2025 has arguably been his worst run of form yet.
The Senegalese striker has received four cards since the start of the year, more than his three goal involvements in the Premier League.
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Chelsea could’ve done with him turning around his form too, given that they’re in a direct battle with Newcastle for Champions League football.
Going a man down, the visitors were already a goal down away at St James’ Park with Sandro Tonali opening the scoring in the second minute.
Blues fans were understandbly fuming with the forward, with one writing: "Let the team down in the most crucial part of the season."
Another said: "Jackson has let the club and teammates down. We cannot reward him for his nonsense by not looking to improve upon on him."
Jackson will now miss the rest of the Premier League season
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Jackson will now miss the rest of the Premier League season
Jackson has more cards than goals for Chelsea in 2025
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Jackson has more cards than goals for Chelsea in 2025Credit: TNT Sports
talkSPORT commentator Danny Mills had some sympathy for Jackson, though.
“He doesn't swing the elbow," the former England international said. "He sort of runs into him with a forearm.
"You're talking semantics here. It's not like he's clenched his fist and really swung that elbow.
“He runs into him with a forearm. I'm not convinced that's a red card. It's a foul. It's a yellow card, 100 per cent.
“Once he's given the yellow card, I don't think there's enough to give him a red card.”