Not up to standard – Ex-Premier League referee questions Jackson sending-off against Newcastle
Former referee Keith Hackett has noted an error in Nicolas Jackson’s dismissal in Chelsea’s defeat by Newcastle United on Sunday.
Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett has strongly criticised referee John Brooks for his handling of Nicolas Jackson‘s red card incident during Chelsea’s game against Newcastle.
The Blues had already endured a difficult start at St James’ Park when Sandro Tonali scored early for the hosts.
However, things worsened in the 33rd minute when Jackson and Botman went down after an aerial challenge, leading to the forward’s eventual dismissal.
Hackett criticises Brooks for relying on VAR
Hackett told Football Insider that Brooks should have shown Jackson a straight red card for his elbow on Sven Botman and accused him of waiting for VAR intervention to make the correct decision.
“I ask myself, how can the referee see that illegal use of the arm or elbow as a yellow card offence?”, he told Football Insider.
“Once again, he sits on the fence and waits for the VAR lifebelt to be thrown to rescue him.
“This is without hesitation a red card offence, and in recent weeks I keep asking myself if [John Brooks] is up to the requirements of a Premier League referee.
“He needs to start making the decisions on field in order to ‘sell’ the outcomes of his sanctions.”
Despite an improved second-half showing, Enzo Maresca’s men ultimately fell to a 2-0 loss at St James’ Park.
While the Italian manager did not criticise his striker publicly, Sunday’s dismissal means Jackson will miss Chelsea’s remaining two games and the first of the 2025-26 season through suspension, leaving the Blues without a recognised frontman in their chase to secure a top-five spot.
What’s next for Chelsea?
Chelsea face Manchester United in their penaltimate Premier League fixture before facing Nottingham Forest on the final day.
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