Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has attempted to defend the latest yellow card for forward Nicolas Jackson.
On Monday evening, the Blues overturned a 1-0 deficit to record a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace, scoring immediately after half time and twice during added-on time.
Before the dramatic conclusion, Jackson had been withdrawn after a frustrating night, but he ran across the pitch to celebrate with the on-field players and the club's travelling support on the opposite side of Selhurst Park.
As a result, the Senegal international received his ninth yellow card in just 21 appearances in the Premier League, many of which have been for dissent or off-the-ball incidents.
Jackson is now just one caution away from serving a two-match ban in the Premier League, with there still being eight games to play before the limit is extended to 15 cautions.
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Having spoken about his frustration with Jackson accumulating so many yellow cards in the past, Pochettino was naturally quizzed on his latest misdemeanour at a press conference on Friday.
However, on this occasion, the Argentine supported his first-choice striker, revealing that he understood his reasons even if it risked hindering Chelsea over the coming weeks.
Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said: "Did you see me when he arrives back at the dugout (signals slap to back of head). I think it is bad, but it is good.
"It showed that he cared about the club, the team, his teammates, and he express his happiness and didn't think he would be booked. Now he is only one away from two games. It is part of the amazing and exciting history that we are leaving (laughs).
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He added: "I wasn't too angry. If you are experienced player, then maybe yes. With him, he is young, he wanted to share with the fans. I prefer that than being sat on the bench, being sad because he didn't score. He wanted to share that with the fans and his teammates, the happiness."
Should Jackson be handed another yellow card against Manchester City on Saturday evening, his ban would only count for Premier League fixtures.
Following the trip to the Etihad Stadium, Chelsea face Liverpool in the EFL Cup final on February 25 and Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round three days later.
Chelsea do not return to Premier League action until they face Brentford on March 2.
Darren Plant
