Nicholas Jackson apologises while the expensive reds keep Chelsea from moving forward in the Club World Cup
Chelsea striker Nicholas Jackson has announced a public apology following the red card in a 3-1 defeat to Flamengo on the Club World Cup group stage.
Senegal International was rejected shortly after it came as an alternative, exacerbating the disastrous six-minute spell that changed the match in its head.
Enzo Maresca’s team took an early lead in Philadelphia thanks to Pedro Neto’s 13-minute strike, but Flamengo returned after the break.
Bruno Enrique leveled the score before Danilo placed the Brazilian side forward. After a while, Jackson showed a straight red for Airton Lucas’ rash tackle, and Wallace Yang added a third to seal Flamengo’s victory.
Jackson went to Instagram after the game and wrote:
“Another red card… And honestly, I’m very angry. I work hard every day to make sure our team doesn’t put us in this kind of situation.
Nicholas Jackson’s statement after the Red card.
“Sorry. I’m disappointed because I’m watching to the club, staff, teammates and all the fans. Another red card and honestly, I’m very upset. pic.twitter.com/ov2f8b6kyh
-Fabrizio Romano (@fabrizioromano) June 20, 2025
“I still don’t fully understand how it happened, but one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional, it was a football moment that I did the wrong way.
“There are no excuses. I take full responsibility. I look back and grow. I will come back strongly for the badge and everyone who believes in me. Sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
This was Jackson’s second red card in four games, previously rejected against Newcastle.
Manager Enzo Mareska said: “What happened to Newcastle and what happened today is… a bit of a bad moment for Nico with this kind of thing.”
Maresca also rejected the link between Jackson’s recent struggle and the arrival of striker Liam Dellup, saying, “The red card had nothing to do with Nico’s future.”