Nicolas Jackson learns fate after shock footage appeared to show Chelsea star SLAPPING rival in mass brawl vs Forest
CHELSEA and Nottingham Forest have been charged over the mass bust-up which overshadowed the climax to their feisty draw.
But Blues‘ striker Nicolas Jackson is off the hook after he appeared to slap defender Morato during the brawl.
Striker Jackson had been substituted already but joined in the 88th minute fracas as tempers boiled over with each team searching for a late winner.
The incident was sparked by Neco Williams shoving Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella as they tussled for the ball near the touchline – with the Spaniard sent clattering into Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
It prompted a huge shoving match involving the backroom staff of both clubs.
Jackson, wearing a training coat, is then spotted joining in from the bench and appears to lash out with his arm in the direction of Morato.
VAR Jarred Gillett saw the flashpoint but did not suggest to take the matter further and the FA are following suit after reading match referee Chris Kavanagh’s report.
An FA statement read: “Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have been charged after the mass confrontation at their Premier League fixture on Sunday, 6 October.
“It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 88th minute. Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have until Thursday, 10 October, to provide their responses.”
Forest’s Williams and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill were booked for their part in the melee.
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Chelsea had six or more players booked for the second time this season and will cop an additional £50,000 fine.
They will also be without Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for the next match – a trip to Premier League leaders Liverpool – after the pair reached five yellow cards for the season so far.
But Maresca insists he has no problems with his side’s disciplinary record.
He said: “I like the team, the way they’re fighting. I like the way they are becoming a team. I don’t see any problems with that.
“Do I prefer it when something like that happens? I like the team spirit. I don’t see any problem.”
“I was in my area, so I was where I had to be.
“In terms of emotion, the team is fighting together. Someone tried to kick me, I fell down.
“But if you ask me about the team spirit, the way they are fighting together, I’m very happy.”
Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing
CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.
Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.
And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.
Robert Sanchez – 8
Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.
Malo Gusto – 6
Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.
Levi Colwill – 7
Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.
Marc Cucurella – 5
Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.
Enzo Fernandez – 5
Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.
Cole Palmer – 6
Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.
Noni Madueke – 8
Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.
Jadon Sancho – 4
Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.
Nicolas Jackson – 4
Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.
Subs
Joao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6
Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5
Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6
Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5