Nicolas Jackson following his collision with Sven Botman(Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Chelsea given new Nicolas Jackson red card verdict as Enzo Maresca dealt Champions League blow

by · football.london

Peter Crouch has described Nicolas Jackson's challenge on Sven Botman as a 'definite red card'. The 23-year-old striker was given his marching orders during the first half of Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

John Brooks initially cautioned Jackson following an aerial collision with Sven Botman. Darren England, the Video Assistant Referee, and his assistant, Natalie Aspinall, reviewed the incident at Stockley Park before sending their colleague to the pitch-side monitor.

Brooks had a look at the challenge and upgraded the yellow card to a red card. An explanation from the Premier League Match Centre on X stated that Jackson committed 'serious foul play'.

Nicolas Jackson was sent off during Chelsea's Premier League clash against Newcastle(Image: (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images))

It reads: "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."

Speaking on TNT Sports at half-time, Crouch was quizzed on Brook's decision to send Jackson off. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker said: "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."

Joe Cole agreed, describing the collision as 'silly'. The former Chelsea midfielder said: "No, he can't (have any complaints). He has a look... bang! Forearm smash to the face. It's a silly thing to do. He gave the referee no choice."

Newcastle United and Chelsea players crowd John Brooks(Image: Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, speaking on Sky Sports News, Clinton Morrison said: "He has let his team down in this game and for the rest of the season. He has completely lost his head."

And, Dean Ashton added: "It is clear. He caught him square in the face. It is a terrible challenge. He looked across and caught him flush in the face. It is mindless. He has forced his arm into Botman."

Jackson will now serve a three-match ban for his red card, meaning he'll miss Chelsea's upcoming clashes against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Without the Senegal international, Enzo Maresca has been dealt a huge blow to his chances of clinching UEFA Champions League qualification.

Nicolas Jackson had a nightmare against Newcastle United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Fortunately for Chelsea, Marc Guiu could return from injury just in time. The 19-year-old striker suffered a knee injury during the Blues' win over West Ham back in December.

Guiu been out of action for a while now, but Maresca recently claimed he could be back soon. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Chelsea's clash against Djurgårdens on Thursday night, the Italian said: "We don’t have any new injuries.

"This is good for us. Everyone is fit and Marc Guiu could even be involved in tomorrow’s squad. We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer.

"Maybe it’s better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us. That will be very good news for us and for Marc."

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