Nicolas Jackson was shown a yellow card for an elbow on Sven Botman during Chelsea's Premier League clash with Newcastle at St James' Park, but a VAR review saw the decision upgraded to a red card
13:58, 11 May 2025Updated 13:59, 11 May 2025
Referee, John Brooks checks the VAR screen after Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea (not pictured) clashed with Sven Botman of Newcastle United (not pictured) during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Chelsea were reduced to 10-men(Image: Getty Images)
The Premier League's Match Centre account has explained the decision to send off Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson.
The Senegalese forward copped a yellow after his elbow clattered into Sven Botman, but a quick look at VAR stepped it up to a red card.
"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 explained on social media.
"The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."
It was a double blow for Enzo Maresca's crew, stumbling in their chase for a golden Champions League ticket. With Jackson off the pitch early doors, he's now also binned for the season's swansong.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea reacts after clashing with Sven Botman of Newcastle United, which lead to him being shown a red card during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Nicolas Jackson was sent off(Image: Getty Images)
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The Blues, who saw themselves trailing thanks to a Sandro Tonali belter in the second minute at St James' Park, have two more games as they scrap for that top-five glory and a Champions League spot.
They'll square up against Manchester United back on home turf next, before a last-hurrah trip to Nottingham Forest.
"That has thrown a spanner in the works. Where do Chelsea go now?" queried Ally McCoist, sharing his two pence worth on TNT Sports. "I don't think Nicolas Jackson can have any complaints," reports the Mirror.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off vs Newcastle following a VAR review
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off vs Newcastle following a VAR review
"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," blasted Scotland women's captain Rachel Corsie while on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"One thing is I don't quite think he meant to make the contact on the jaw." Despite his red card, Jackson won't be missing any European matches.
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The ex-Villarreal ace bagged a brace in the Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgardens, firing Maresca's squad into the final showdown in Wroclaw.
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez also found himself in the book just before the half-time whistle, adding to the Blues' tally as the Premier League's most carded team this season.
However, they've only had two players see red in the league, with Marc Cucurella being the other one sent for an early shower.