‘Someone explain that to me please’ – Ferdinand baffled as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson avoids red for shocking challenge

NICOLAS JACKSON avoided punishment for a dangerous challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu during Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

The forward collided with Tomiyasu just nine minutes into the match, catching his lower leg studs-up.

TNT SportsNicolas Jackson avoided punishment for a bad challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu[/caption]

The forward went studs-up into Tomiyasu’s ankle

Arsenal full-back Tomiyasu immediately went to ground after rolling his ankle as a result of the challenge.

The Gunners were subsequently awarded a free-kick, but Jackson escaped a yellow card.

Many fans believed he should have been sent off following the challenge.

One person took to X to write: “How is this not a red card for Nicolas Jackson? Not even a yellow!!! Shocking from the officials again.”

Another added: “That should be a red card for Nicolas Jackson. That’s an awful challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu.”

A third said: “Nicolas Jackson should be sent off. Goodness me that was a bad challenge.”

While a fourth commented: “Wow, that Nicolas Jackson challenge was horrendous. Clear red all day long.”

TNT Sports revealed at half-time that the incident was looked at and cleared by VAR.

Rio Ferdinand was left in disbelief when he found out the challenge went unpunished.

He said: “Someone explain that to me please!”

Arsenal took an early lead in the match through Leandro Trossard in the fourth minute.

Chelsea came close to equalising before half-time, but the Gunners doubled the advantage after the break.

Ben White netted from close range after a clever short corner from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

And Kai Havertz scored twice against his former club to extend Arsenal’s lead.

White scored again with a fantastic volley to claim the Gunners’ fifth.

Mikel Arteta’s side went on to win the match 5-0, extending their lead at the top of the table to three points.