Football fans are notoriously hostile towards opposition players, particularly during a match against local rivals. Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson experienced that first-hand during the club's London derby against Brentford on Saturday, March 2.
Jackson had been targeted by the home fans all game, and the abuse intensified after the 22-year-old seemingly tackled himself earlier in the game, The striker eventually got his own back however, when he shushed the crowd after putting the Blues 1-0 up with an excellent header in the 35th minute.
Nicolas Jackson hits back at Brentford fans after scoring
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Brentford fans jeer Jackson
Given their incredibly lacklustre campaign so far this season, Chelsea have become somewhat of an easy target for opposition fans to poke fun at. Whether that be Todd Boehly's apparent lack of knowledge of the sport, their tremendously absurd spending habits under the American or their less-than-impressive position in the table – rival fans currently have plenty of ammunition.
Jackson was unfortunate to find himself on the wrong end of such abuse and became a target throughout the first half as the game was edging towards a goalless opening 45 minutes. Therefore, when the striker nodded the away side ahead, he was quick to turn his attention to the home crowd, choosing to shush them during his celebrations.
It was a classic case of passionate fans goading an opposing player – a key aspect of football when done in good spirit.
A difficult season for Nicolas Jackson
His confrontational celebration was perhaps a release of frustration that had been built up over the course of the campaign with the Senegalese hitman struggling to recreate the form he displayed at Villarreal.
Signed in the summer to help propel Boehly's new-look Chelsea to glory, Jackson has now scored eight Premier League goals this season – a relatively impressive return given his age and the fact that it is his first campaign in the division. Despite that, the forward has spurned a number of high-profile chances and even missed an open goal just minutes before scoring in this match too.
Could this finally be the goal that truly ignites Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge? Chelsea fans will certainly hope so.