Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is awaiting a decision from the Football Association after video footage showed him placing his hand in the face of Nottingham Forest's Morato during a heated 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. The incident occurred after Jackson had been substituted and emerged from the stand to join a brawl involving 15 to 20 players and staff.
Video assistant referee officials reviewed the footage but deemed it not serious enough to overturn the on-field referee's decision, which resulted only in yellow cards for Marc Cucurella and Neco Williams. Professional Game Match Officials Limited considers the matter closed, but the FA will make a final decision after examining the referee's report.
Chelsea face an FA hearing and a potential £25,000 fine after six players were booked, marking the second time this season they have reached that threshold. The club could also face charges of bringing the game into disrepute. Wesley Fofana and Cucurella, both booked, will miss the upcoming match against Liverpool due to accumulated yellow cards.
Head coach Enzo Maresca defended his team's spirit, saying, 'I like the spirit of our team. In terms of emotion, the team is fighting altogether and I don't think some of them lose their heads.' Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who was also booked, refused to criticise James Ward-Prowse for deliberately handling the ball, which led to his red card, stating, 'He did it for the team.'
