Hackett Exclusive: PGMOL told to axe ref John Brooks as Jackson-Newcastle footage analysed

John Brooks displayed a moment of hesitation that proved costly when officiating Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle, ultimately showing Nicolas Jackson a red card only after VAR intervention—a delay that former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes should never have happened.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett criticized Brooks for failing to make the decisive call himself, arguing that the referee relied on technology to correct what should have been an immediate dismissal.

The match at St. James’ Park had already started disastrously for Chelsea, with Sandro Tonali firing Newcastle into an early lead just two minutes in. The Blues struggled to regain their footing, looking second-best for much of the first half.

But their situation deteriorated further in the 33rd minute when Jackson’s reckless challenge on Sven Botman sparked controversy.

What began as an aerial duel quickly escalated into a moment of sheer frustration from the Chelsea striker. Instead of contesting the ball cleanly, Jackson locked eyes on Botman and deliberately drove his elbow into the side of the defender’s head.

Botman crumpled to the ground instantly, leaving referee John Brooks with a critical decision to make. Initially, Brooks reached for a yellow card—a bafflingly lenient response given the nature of the foul.

VAR, however, swiftly intervened. After a lengthy review, Brooks was summoned to the pitch-side monitor, where replays made Jackson’s intent unmistakable.

Within seconds, the yellow was rescinded, replaced by a justified red. Yet Hackett questioned why Brooks hadn’t acted decisively from the outset.

“How could the referee possibly view that elbow as just a yellow-card offense?” Hackett demanded in his conversation with Football Insider. “Once again, he hesitated, waiting for VAR to throw him a lifeline. This was an obvious red card—no debate needed. Lately, I’ve found myself questioning whether John Brooks meets the standards required of a Premier League referee. He must start making firm decisions in real-time to command respect for his rulings.”

Jackson’s dismissal, warranted for violent conduct, carries an automatic three-match suspension, prematurely ending his season. For Chelsea, the consequences extend beyond this defeat.

The team’s lack of depth at striker has been a glaring issue all season, and with Jackson now sidelined, manager Enzo Maresca faces a critical dilemma.

As the race for Champions League qualification intensifies, the Blues must find an alternative solution up front—and fast.

Newcastle, meanwhile, capitalized on their numerical advantage, maintaining a compact defensive shape after Tonali’s early breakthrough. Jackson’s moment of ill discipline only solidified their control, leaving Chelsea to rue yet another self-inflicted setback in a season already riddled with frustrations.

The incident also reignites the ongoing debate over refereeing standards in the Premier League. While VAR exists to correct clear errors, critics argue that officials like Brooks must demonstrate greater authority in high-pressure moments.

Dependence on technology, Hackett suggests, undermines the referee’s credibility—a problem that demands urgent attention if the league’s officiating is to retain public trust.

For Jackson, the red card serves as a harsh lesson in composure. For Brooks, it’s another case of indecision overshadowing his performance.

And for Chelsea, it’s a costly reminder of their vulnerabilities—both on the pitch and in their thin squad depth. As the season reaches its climax, the ramifications of this moment could linger far longer than the final whistle at St. James’ Park.