Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson sent off for moment of madness as he brutally elbows Sven Botman in Newcastle clash
NICOLAS JACKSON was sent off for dangerously elbowing Newcastle star Sven Botman during the race for Champions League qualification clash.
The Chelsea striker appeared to look at Botman before leading in with his right forearm while jumping up in the air.
Jackson made no attempt to play the ball and clattered his arm into Botman’s head in the 33rd minute, with Newcastle leading 1-0.
The 23-year-old challenged Botman in the air, with the Dutchman hitting the deck clutching his face in pain.
Replays showed that Jackson was actually watching Botman’s movement before glancing away and striking him in the face.
Referee John Brooks initially gave Jackson a yellow card at St James’ Park.
But VAR intervened to check the footage for serious foul play and decided to send Brooks to the monitor.
Fans inside the ground knew what was coming as soon as Brooks went to review the footage.
The ref changed his decision and upgraded the yellow to a straight red, which bans Jackson for the next three league matches.
Chelsea have two Premier League games left against Manchester United and fellow Champions League chasers Nottingham Forest.
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Jackson will also miss the first game of next season, but will be available to play in the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis.
The FA could in fact review the decision and extend the 23-year-old’s ban.
Within seconds of Jackson’s early bath, Dan Burn missed a nailed on header to double Eddie Howe‘s lead.
Sandro Tonali got the Toon off to a perfect start after slotting in Jacob Murphy‘s cross after two minutes.
Reece James was brought on for Noni Madueke with Chelsea down to ten men at half-time.