Nicolas Jackson’s moment of indiscipline may have singlehandedly derailed Chelsea’s push for a Champions League return, as his reckless elbow on Sven Botman proved costly in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park.
In the 33rd minute, with Chelsea trailing 1-0, Jackson appeared to deliberately lead with his forearm while challenging Botman in the air, making no clear attempt to play the ball.
Replays confirmed what many suspected: the contact was intentional, and VAR’s quick intervention led to referee John Brooks upgrading the initial yellow card to a straight red.
The incident turned the tide firmly against Enzo Maresca’s side.
Already under pressure following Sandro Tonali’s early opener, the Blues were reduced to ten men and failed to recover.
A late Bruno Guimaraes strike sealed the win for Eddie Howe’s men, while Jackson’s suspension will rule him out of Chelsea’s final two league fixtures against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, both crucial in the race for European places.
To make matters worse, Jackson will also miss the opening match of next season, and the FA may review the incident further for a potential extension to his ban.
While he remains eligible for the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis, the damage to Chelsea’s top-four ambitions has already been done.
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