Newcastle United secured a crucial victory over Chelsea in the Premier League, with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes finding the net in a hard-fought clash at St. James’ Park. The win not only solidified Newcastle’s position in the race for Champions League qualification but also highlighted a controversial moment that left fans and pundits debating.
The game’s turning point came in the 35th minute when Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Newcastle’s Sven Botman. Initially, referee John Brooks awarded a yellow card, but after consulting VAR, the decision was upgraded to a red. The incident left Botman on the ground, and Jackson’s actions were deemed a serious foul, leaving Chelsea to play the majority of the match with 10 men.
Former FIFA official Keith Hackett didn’t hold back in his criticism of Brooks, questioning the referee’s ability to make decisive calls without relying on VAR. “How can the referee see that illegal use of the arm or elbow as a yellow card offense?” Hackett remarked. “He sits on the fence and waits for the VAR lifeline to rescue him. This is a clear red card, and it raises questions about his readiness for the Premier League.”
The decision to send Jackson off was justified by PGMOL, who stated that the challenge was a serious foul and warranted an on-field review. Jackson’s red card comes with a three-match ban, meaning he will miss Chelsea’s final Premier League games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, as well as their opening match of the next season. However, he will be available for Chelsea’s Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on May 28.
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin expressed his frustration, suggesting that the outcome could have been different had Jackson remained on the pitch. “With 11 men, Chelsea could have salvaged something from this game,” Nevin said. “Jackson’s red card cost them dearly, and it’s a moment that will haunt him.”
The result leaves Newcastle three points clear of Chelsea in the Premier League, with both teams still vying for a spot in next season’s Champions League. As the season reaches its climax, every decision and every moment could prove pivotal in the race for European football.
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