Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson will not face retrospective punishment for his apparent ‘slap’ of Nottingham Forest defender Morato during the weekend’s fiery-tempered clash.
The 1-1 draw, which ended Chelsea’s recent five-game winning run across all competitions, descended into chaos towards the end when an on-field melee erupted between both sets of players. Marc Cucurella was booked for his reaction to being pushed into Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca by opposing full-back Neco Williams, resulting in a suspension for the Blues’ next game.
Jackson had already been substituted by that point in the game but jumped up from the bench to get involved. Footage showed him appearing to aim a hand at the face of Morato. After being reviewed by VAR at the time, the action was not considered violent conduct.
FA charges have come, but only for the clubs rather than individuals. Chelsea and Forest stand accused of “failing to ensure they players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way”.
The respective sides have until Thursday to respond to the FA, whether accepting the charge or appealing it. The likely sanction if guilty would be a fine.
With Chelsea ultimately not bringing in a striker during the summer transfer window, despite links to Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney in particular, Jackson has held onto his starting place this season.
The Senegal international, who was a failed medical away from joining Bournemouth just six months before arriving at Stamford Bridge for £32m, has already contributed four goals and three assists across seven Premier League games played so far.
Jackson has started all seven of those, although only once – the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace – has he completed 90 minutes without being substituted. It has tended to be Christopher Nkunku who has replaced him, although Joao Felix and Marc Guiu also have done.
