Nottingham Forest receive major Champions League boost after 'silly' Chelsea decision

Nottingham Forest have been handed a huge boost in their bid to secure a European finish this season - with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson set to miss the game at the City Ground.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will host Chelsea on the final day of the season (May 25), with a Champions League spot potentially on the line.

Jackson, who started for Chelsea against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, received his marching orders in the first half for serious foul play after being adjudged to have elbowed Sven Botman in the head.

Referee John Brooks, who was called to the VAR monitor to review the challenge, ultimately upgraded the initial yellow card to a red.

A statement released on the Premier League Match Centre on X, explained: "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 referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."

As a result, he will miss Chelsea's games against Manchester United and Forest. Any player that receives a straight red card, will serve a three-match ban.

That said, he is expected to miss Chelsea's first game of next season, too.

During his commentary on TNT Sports, Darren Fletcher said of the challenge: "Let's think the bigger picture, if he gets sent off here, he won't play for the rest of the season. Bigger picture for Chelsea, if they lose him.

"He's going. That's huge but also big for the rest of the way for Chelsea."

Ally McCoist then added: "He's looking at him Fletch [Fletcher], he's shoved his forearm up, caught him on the chin.

"What I would say, it's not malice to give him one, I don't think he can have any complaints to tell you the truth."

During TNT's analysis at half time, Joe Cole agreed with the decision, stating: "No he can't [have any complaint], he has a look, bang, forearm smash to the face.

"It's a silly thing to do, he gave the referee no choice."

Meanwhile, Peter Crouch concluded: "If you're looking at the ball the whole way, there's an argument to say his arm is out to protect him. The two looks gave the game away, it's a definite red card."