Nicolas Jackson may have been fortunate not to have been sent off (Image: Getty)
Former referee Mark Halsey has revealed the reason why ’s was not sent off against , despite appearing to slap Morato in the face.
The Blues were held to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge by Nuno Espirito’s side, with Noni Madueke equalising for after Chris Wood had opened the scoring in the second half.
Tensions threatened to boil over on several occasions throughout the clash, with James Ward Prowse being dismissed for a second yellow card late on. Though may be fortunate that the midfielder was the only player dismissed by Chris Kavanagh.
Players from both teams ensued in a fierce melee in the 88th minute after Neco Williams shoved Marc Cucurella, with Levi Colwill among several players to step in as the push almost saw the Spain international collide with .
Jackson was among those to get involved, despite being substituted seven minutes prior for Christopher Nkunku. The striker was furious with the actions and quickly began scuffling with Morato, with footage showing him raise his hand at Morato and slapping the Brazilian in the face.
He was not booked or sent off for his actions, and Halsey has now told why. He explained: “Nicolas Jackson appeared to slap Morato in a major melee between and Nottingham Forest players.
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“The Blues forward, who had been substituted, got involved in the 88th-minute flashpoint which started after Forest’s Neco Williams pushed Marc Cucrella into Blues boss .
“Referee Chris Kavanagh would not have seen the slap but VAR checked it and decided his actions did not constitute violent conduct because the force used was negligible. Both clubs now face FA charges for failing to control their players.”
Neco Williams initially clashed with Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella (Image: Getty)
Jackson could still face retrospective action from the FA, despite VAR officials looking into the incident at the time and ruling that the referee did not need to intervene further – having booked Cucurella, Colwill and Williams for their respective roles in causing the disorder.
have already been hit with a £50,000 for picking up six yellow cards in the match, with the FA doubling their fine as Maresca’s side are re-offenders – having issued the Blues with a £25,000 fine for their nine yellow cards against Bournemouth earlier this season.