Premier League ban incoming? Chelsea star slaps opponent during heated scuffle

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson could face a Premier League ban after appearing to slap Nottingham Forest’s Morato during a heated scuffle at Stamford Bridge.

The two teams clashed throughout Sunday’s Premier League meeting in west London but tempers boiled over towards the end of the match after Marc Cucurella was shoved over and went flying into his manager Enzo Maresca in the dugout.

Maresca fell to the floor as a result of the impact and both sets of players and several subs then clashed on the side of the pitch.

Jackson had already been subbed off but was heavily involved in the scuffle and swung his arm at Forest defender Morato, causing the situation to escalate.

Any suspension would be a significant blow for Chelsea as Jackson, who struggled last season, has enjoyed an impressive start to the new campaign, scoring four goals in seven league games.

Chelsea will already be without Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana for their next match against Liverpool after both received their fifth yellow cards of the season against Nottingham Forest.

Four other Chelsea players also went into the book while Nottingham Forest’s James Ward-Prowse was sent off for two yellow cards.

Chelsea’s six-game unbeaten run was in danger after Chris Wood put Nottingham Forest ahead shorty after half-time.

But Forest were in front for less than ten minutes as Noni Madueke equalised for the hosts.

Speaking after the feisty 1-1 draw, Chelsea boss Maresca said: ‘I think we deserved to win.

‘They are a very good team and we knew they would defend well. It was a tough and tricky game, very different to Brighton. We were patient on the ball and created chances.

‘Overall the performance was good and I think we deserved to win. Their keeper was the best of the game. We created chances and arrived at goal in the way we want to.’

Asked if ill-discipline is a problem for his Chelsea team, Maresca added: ‘It’s something we need to improve but overall, I like the team the way they are fighting.

‘I like the way they are becoming a team in these kinds of things. I don’t see any problems about that.

‘For sure, there are things that we can control and do better, for sure no doubt, and probably this is one of the things.

‘But if you ask me about the team spirit, the way they are fighting together, the way they are doing things together, I’m very happy.’

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