Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card against Newcastle after the referee was told to go to the pitchside monitor by VAR.
It came after a moment of madness from the Chelsea striker, who struck Sven Botman in the face with an elbow.
After a long ball was sent down the pitch at St. James' Park, Botman and Jackson went to challenge for the ball.
However, while the Newcastle defender only had eyes for the ball - Jackson was looking straight at Botman.
Nicolas Jackson has been sent off against Newcastle
Reuters
And at the last moment, the Senegal international threw a forearm at the centre-back and clattered him in the face.
Jackson was initially shown a yellow card by referee John Brooks but a VAR check noticed serious foul play by the Chelsea man.
After a lengthy check, Brooks was told to take a second look himself and he did not need long to make his decision.
Speaking on TNT Sports co-commentary, Ally McCoist tried to defend him by saying: "Nicolas Jackson has a wee look. They'll have a look at that.
"It's one of these ones, he has a look. I think he puts his arm out to protect him. I don't think it's an arm to the face.
"I don't think it's an out-and-out elbow to the head but he could go."
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The Premier League also released a statement, writing: "#NEWCHE – 33’ VAR OVERTURN VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Jackson – and deemed that the challenge by Jackson on Botman was a serious foul play offence, therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."
Newcastle were already a goal up before the red card after Sandro Tonali netted early for the Magpies.
It sent the home crowd into a frenzy, giving the home side exactly what they needed with both clubs bidding for qualification to the Champions League next season.
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Nicolas Jackson appeared to throw an elbow at Sven Botman
Reuters
Jackson had cut a peripheral figure throughout the match before the red card and it was clear that his frustrations got the better of him.
However, his moment of madness could end up costing Chelsea this season with the former Villarreal star set to miss the rest of the season through suspension.
Scoring goals has been a problem for Blues strikers throughout the campaign, with back-up option Christopher Nkunku netting just three this season.
And with crucial fixtures against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest left, Enzo Maresca might see his side come up short in the battle for Champions League qualification.
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Nicolas Jackson is shown a red card for his foul on Sven Botman 🟥
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Chelsea started the day fifth in the Premier League on 63 points while Newcastle would go third with a win after Manchester City slipped up in a 0-0 draw against Southampton yesterday.
Only Liverpool have won more games in the league this season than Newcastle, who also won the Carabao Cup earlier this year in what has been a brilliant campaign for Eddie Howe's side.
