Enzo Maresca's frustration was clear for all to see as Nicolas Jackson received a red card during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Italian coach didn't even acknowledge his striker as he headed down the tunnel following his dismissal for an elbow on Sven Botman.
Chelsea were already trailing 1-0 when Jackson was sent off after 35 minutes, leaving his team to battle with 10 men for over an hour.
Referee John Brookes initially showed Jackson a yellow card for the incident involving Newcastle defender Botman.
Enzo Maresca appeared to snub Nicolas Jackson as he came off the pitch following his red card
PA
The decision was upgraded to red following VAR intervention.
While Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill protested the call, Maresca appeared to direct his disappointment at his striker rather than the officials.
The sending off came at a crucial moment with Chelsea already behind after Sandro Tonali had given Newcastle an early lead in the second minute.
Speaking after the match, Maresca suggested the atmosphere at St James' Park may have influenced the decision.
"The only thing I can say is that sometimes it is too easy to take some decisions in some stadiums," said the Chelsea manager.
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"But if the referee says it's a red, it's a red."
He added: "Sometimes you get the feeling that some decisions are from the noise."
Jackson will now miss Chelsea's remaining Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.
Nicolas Jackson was sent off for serious foul play after appearing to elbow Sven Botman
Reuters
The suspension comes at the worst possible time for Chelsea, who are locked in a tight battle for Champions League qualification.
The Senegalese striker has struggled for form in 2025, receiving four cards since the start of the year compared to just three goal involvements in the Premier League.
"It's not only for today, for the next two games, for him the season is finished," Maresca added.
Chelsea's defeat at Newcastle has dealt a significant blow to their Champions League aspirations with just two games remaining.
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The Blues now face an uphill battle in what has become an intensely competitive race for European qualification.
Bruno Guimaraes' deflected effort in the 90th minute sealed Chelsea's fate after they had fought valiantly with 10 men.
The result leaves Maresca's side in a precarious position as they prepare to face Manchester United and top-five rivals Nottingham Forest.
