Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca couldn’t hide his frustration with an unnecessary Nicolas Jackson red card.
The Blues’ main striker only lasted 35 minutes in a big clash with Newcastle before being sent off for a painful elbow on Sven Botman.
Referee John Brookes upgraded his yellow to a red after VAR intervention, and although Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill showed their displeasure with the call, Maresca appeared to direct his disappointment elsewhere.
Journalist Simon Johnson of The Athletic reported that the Italian coach didn’t even look at or acknowledge his striker as he walked off the pitch.
Jackson has underwhelmed since his £32million signing from Villarreal in 2023 and 2025 has arguably been his worst run of form yet.
The Senegalese striker has received four cards since the start of the year, more than his three goal involvements in the Premier League.
Chelsea could’ve done with him turning around his form too, given that they’re in a direct battle with Newcastle for Champions League football.
Going a man down, the visitors were already a goal down away at St James’ Park with Sandro Tonali opening the scoring in the second minute.
Blues fans were understandbly fuming with the forward, with one writing: “Let the team down in the most crucial part of the season.”
Another said: “Jackson has let the club and teammates down. We cannot reward him for his nonsense by not looking to improve upon on him.”
talkSPORT commentator Danny Mills had some sympathy for Jackson, though.
“He doesn’t swing the elbow,” the former England international said. “He sort of runs into him with a forearm.
“You’re talking semantics here. It’s not like he’s clenched his fist and really swung that elbow.
“He runs into him with a forearm. I’m not convinced that’s a red card. It’s a foul. It’s a yellow card, 100 per cent.
“Once he’s given the yellow card, I don’t think there’s enough to give him a red card.”
Jackson previously went on a 13-game goalless run from December 22 to April 26 before scoring a matchwinner against Everton.
He then netted twice against Djurgaarden to help Chelsea into the Conference League final.
Overall the 23-year-old has 29 goals in 76 goals for the London side and hasn’t been a reliable choice up front.
Cole Palmer has again outscored him this season with 15 goals to Jackson’s 12, while Christopher Nkunku also has a dozen despite playing far fewer minutes.
Yet despite Chelsea’s struggles up front, talkSPORT understands that the Blues are currently focusing on Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen for the summer transfer window.
They’re also interested in Ipswich’s Liam Delap, but the striker is believed to be prioritising Champions League football.
