Chelsea Newcastle Jackson red card
(Credit: Imago and TNT Sports)
Keith Hackett
Tue 13 May 2025 16:55, UK
Keith Hackett has issued a damning verdict on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson following his red card against Newcastle United.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the use of the elbow needs to be outlawed in football following the 23-year-old’s challenge on Sven Botman.
Chelsea saw their Champions League hopes damaged in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park on sunday (11 May), leaving them fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with Aston Villa in sixth.
Their cause in that game was not helped by the red card shown to Jackson following a VAR review with well over half of the game remaining.
Nicolas Jackson sent off in damaging defeat
The hosts had wasted no time in going in front in this game, with Sandro Tonali opening the scoring for Newcastle after less than two minutes.
With 35 minutes on the clock things would get harder for Chelsea when Jackson was sent off after elbowing Botman in the face as the pair attempted to win control of a high ball.
Nicolas Jackson 2024/25 stats Total (Transfermarkt)
Appearances 33
Goals 12
Assists 5
Yellow Cards 8
Red Cards 1
All competitions
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Hackett was critical of referee John Brooks for initially only booking Jackson, with the striker only sent off after VAR had recommended an on-field review.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was furious with the actions of his player, given the mountain it left his side facing in that game.
Now, Hackett has issued further criticism of Jackson for the nature of his challenge, which he believes causes a major risk for opposition players when they have a “duty of care” towards each other.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
Enzo Maresca was not happy with Nicolas Jackson (Credit: Imago)
Chelsea star slammed after red card at Newcastle United
Speaking to Football Insider about the challenge that led to Jackson being sent off, Hackett said:
“I find it difficult to understand why a [player] believes that when he illegally uses his elbow, he can get away with it.
“Nicolas Jackson clenched his fist, elbow back. That’s an instant red card. But the referee John Brooks failed to act immediately and issued a yellow card, believing it to be reckless.
“It’s only the action of the VAR, fortunately, who says ‘take another look’. With that advice, Brooks rightly sent off the player: red card.
“A player has a duty of care towards his opponent, the illegal use of the arm and elbow as a weapon – which it is – is extremely dangerous for an opponent and it needs to be outlawed.
“Players need to think again, even though there may be an act of frustration, to not do that type of offence.”
Due to the suspension he will receive from this dismissal, Jackson will miss the last two games of the season, as Chelsea host Man United before travelling to Nottingham Forest.
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