The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) have provided clarity on the red card shown to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson during his side’s clash with Newcastle United.
The incident, which led to Jackson’s dismissal, occurred during a first-half aerial duel with Newcastle defender Sven Botman.
The incident unfolded when Jackson and Botman contested a header, resulting in the Dutch defender falling to the ground clutching his head.
Referee John Brooks initially cautioned the Senegal striker with a yellow card for the challenge, but the decision was reviewed following a recommendation from the VAR team.
The PGMOL released a statement during the match to explain the sequence of events, saying, “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.”
The VAR review determined that Jackson, instead of focusing on the ball, appeared to monitor Botman’s movement before turning away and making contact with his forearm to the Dutchman’s face.
This assessment led to the initial booking being upgraded to a straight red card for serious foul play, leaving Chelsea to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
The decision is likely to be a point of contention for Chelsea, who have struggled for consistency this season, as they now face the prospect of being without one of their key attackers for upcoming fixtures.
Jackson’s dismissal adds to the mounting disciplinary challenges for the Blues as they look to improve their league form.
