Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson appears to slap opponent during 20-player brawl
Nicolas Jackson was in the middle of a mass brawl during Chelsea's clash with Nottingham Forest and appeared to slap one of his opponents with both sides set to be punished
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorNicolas Jackson appeared to slap Nottingham Forest star Morato during a mass brawl at Stamford Bridge.
Tempers flared between Chelsea players and their opponents late in the contest, which ended 1-1 on Sunday afternoon. It saw a huge scuffle break out involving players and substitutes - one of which was Jackson after he was taken off.
That didn't stop the forward being front and centre however with footage appearing to show him in a verbal confrontation with Morato before he lashed out and slapped his opponent. Jackson had to be pulled away with Wesley Fofana ushering him out of the brawl.
Chelsea and Forest will both be issued fines for failing to control their players while there is also the prospect of Jackson being hit with a retrospective ban for violent conduct. Across an ill-tempered game, 11 yellow cards were issued with James Ward-Prowse being sent off.
The Blues, who have enjoyed a strong start to the season under Enzo Maresca, have the worst disciplinary record in the Premier League but their manager maintains his young squad do not have a behaviour problem.
He said: "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."
The draw in west London owed to Noni Madueke's equaliser as he continued his fine personal record in front of goal. His second-half strike cancelled out Chris Wood's opener and means Chelsea have still not lost since the opening day. Forest themselves have also only been beaten once this term.
Chelsea's goalscorer said: "Listen, Forest are a stubborn side and they defended very well. Of course, we came into the game with the intention of taking all three points but we just couldn’t quite get it over the line and that’s frustrating. I’m pleased to score and it’s always nice to get a goal. I’ve missed a few chances in recent games so it was good to get back on the scoresheet."
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