‘Let his team down’ – Enzo Maresca’s reaction to Nicolas Jackson’s red card speaks volumes

Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca couldn’t disguise his frustration with an pointless Nicolas Jackson purple card.

The Blues’ primary striker solely lasted 35 minutes in an enormous conflict with Newcastle earlier than being despatched off for a painful elbow on Sven Botman.

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Referee John Brookes upgraded his yellow to a purple after VAR intervention, and though Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill confirmed their displeasure with the decision, Maresca appeared to direct his disappointment elsewhere.

Journalist Simon Johnson of The Athletic reported that the Italian coach didn’t even have a 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 kind but.

The Senegalese striker has acquired 4 playing cards because the begin of the yr, greater than his three objective involvements within the Premier League.

Chelsea might’ve achieved with him turning round his kind too, on condition that they’re in a direct battle with Newcastle for Champions League soccer.

Going a person down, the guests have been already a objective down away at St James’ Park with Sandro Tonali opening the scoring within the second minute.

Blues followers have been understandbly fuming with the ahead, with one writing: “Let the crew down in essentially the most essential a part of the season.”

One other stated: “Jackson has let the membership and teammates down. We can’t reward him for his nonsense by not seeking to enhance upon on him.”

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talkSPORT commentator Danny Mills had some sympathy for Jackson, although.

“He does not swing the elbow,” the previous England worldwide stated. “He type of runs into him with a forearm.

“You are speaking semantics right here. It is not like he is clenched his fist and actually swung that elbow.

“He runs into him with a forearm. I am not satisfied that is a purple card. It is a foul. It is a yellow card, 100 per cent.

“As soon as he is given the yellow card, I do not assume there’s sufficient to provide him a purple card.”

Jackson beforehand went on a 13-game goalless run from December 22 to April 26 earlier than scoring a matchwinner in opposition to Everton.

He then netted twice in opposition to Djurgaarden to assist Chelsea into the Convention League ultimate.

Total the 23-year-old has 29 objectives in 76 objectives for the London facet and hasn’t been a dependable alternative up entrance.

Cole Palmer has once more outscored him this season with 15 objectives to Jackson’s 12, whereas Christopher Nkunku additionally has a dozen regardless of taking part in far fewer minutes.

But regardless of Chelsea’s struggles up entrance, talkSPORT understands that the Blues are at the moment specializing in Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen for the summer time switch window.

They’re additionally occupied with Ipswich’s Liam Delap, however the striker is believed to be prioritising Champions League soccer.