Nicolas Jackson avoids red card for Takehiro Tomiyasu foul in 'one of worst referee decisions of season'

Nicolas Jackson avoiding punishment for a reckless challenge on Takehiro Tomiyasu has been branded as one of the worst refereeing decisions of the season.

The Chelsea striker caught the Arsenal defender on the ankle just nine minutes into Tuesday's London derby.

Tomiyasu looked in immediate pain as he collapsed to the floor and the referee immediately awarded a free kick but decided against booking Jackson.

The Video Assistant Referee took a look at the incident but deemed the foul not worthy of a sending off despite painful-looking replays.

Speaking on TNT Sport at half-time, pundit Rio Ferdinand said: "We all couldn't believe it, we've seen so many instances this season which we not anywhere near as bad as this."

Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave confirmed "it was checked and cleared by VAR", to which Ferdinand responded: "Well, someone explain that to me, please. You can't say that that's OK.

Fellow pundit Martin Keown then added: "He hasn't even be booked, wow.What's the referee doing?"

Speaking on talkSPORT, Danny Mills said : "I'd love to see the VAR on that, because that is a red card.”