Nicolas Jackson Apologises For Reckless Red Card In Chelsea's Club World Cup Defeat To Flamengo
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has issued a heartfelt apology to fans, teammates, and the club following his red card during the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup clash held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
After Pedro Neto gave Chelsea an early lead in the 13th minute, Flamengo bounced back in the second half with two quick goals in three minutes, shifting the momentum firmly in their favour. Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback were crushed when Jackson was shown a straight red card in the 68th minute for a dangerous high-studs challenge on Ayrton Lucas.
The challenge left fans and pundits stunned as Jackson caught Ayrton’s foot dangerously while trying to contest the ball. Despite protests, the referee wasted no time in dismissing the Senegalese forward.
Following the match, Jackson took to Instagram to apologise, admitting his frustration and taking full responsibility for the incident.
“I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card and honestly, I’m so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional,” Jackson posted.
“Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility. I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry,” he concluded.
Flamengo sealed their victory in the 83rd minute with a goal from Wallance Yan, wrapping up the contest at 3-1. With the loss, Chelsea dropped to second place in the group with three points.
Reacting to the incident, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca said briefly to Sky Sports, “It was a red card, so nothing to say.”
However, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella offered a more sympathetic view, defending Jackson’s intentions.
“It is a bit of bad luck. He tried to put his foot in to kick the ball but he kicked the player’s leg. That’s it. We now miss him for the next game. He is a young player with a lot of quality, and maybe he needs to improve this. We are not perfect, it’s part of the game,” Cucurella stated.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some supporting Jackson’s apology and others demanding more discipline from the young forward. As Chelsea prepare for their next fixture without Jackson, the player vows to return stronger and more focused.
