The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL) group have revealed why referee John Brooks was instructed to review Nicolas Jackson’s foul on Sven Botman on Sunday afternoon. The Chelsea striker was initially shown a yellow card for the challenge before the decision was upgraded to a red card following an on-field review.

Following a long ball forward, Jackson collided with Botman when challenging for the header, with the Newcastle defender hitting the deck clutching his face. Brooks quickly responded by racing to the scene and brandishing a yellow card.

However, VAR soon intervened and ruled that play should not continue until they have reviewed the foul. Replays then showed that Jackson was actually watching Botman’s movement rather than the flight of the ball before glancing away and striking Botman in the face with his forearm, with Brooks then asked to look over the collision.

Explaining the call on X - formerly known as Twitter – PGMOL explained the thought process behind the review, saying: “VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Jackson – and deemed that the challenge by Jackson on Botman was a serious foul play offence, therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card.”

The reckless challenge came just over half an hour after Newcastle had raced into an early lead at St James’ Park thanks to Sandro Tonali’s goal. The Italian was on hand to tap home from close range after Jacob Murphy swept a dangerous cross across the face of the goal.

Jackson's red will have a knock-on effect for Chelsea going forward as he'll be suspended for the remainder of the season, leaving the Blues without a recognised striker for two crucial matches as Christopher Nkunku is sidelined through injury.

With Chelsea in the heart of the battle to finish in the Champions League places, Jackson’s absence could be a costly blow – especially as it may limit Cole Palmer’s influence given that he appears the likeliest candidate to be shoehorned into the No. 9 role.

The Blues face Manchester United next week before taking on Nottingham Forest on the last day of the season, in what will be a key fixture given that just two points separates the two sides at the time of writing, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side set to face Leicester City this afternoon (Sunday).