Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been linked with a transfer move to Aston Villa
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Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson heads for the dressing room after being shown a red card against Flamengo
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson heads for the dressing room after being shown a red card against Flamengo
The red mist descended over Nicolas Jackson again on Friday night as the striker was sent off in Chelsea’s Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo.
Jackson was dismissed in the 68th minute, four minutes after entering the field, for a late, studs-up challenge on Flamengo defender Lucas Ayrton.
The striker’s latest dismissal, which came on his 24th birthday, arrives six weeks after he was sent off in a Premier League fixture against Newcastle.
It has thrown his future into doubt, particularly after Chelsea splashed out on Liam Delap, and Aston Villa are among the clubs to have been linked with Jackson.
Senegal international Jackson spent a fruitful spell working under current Villa boss Unai Emery at Villarreal and the club are in the market for a new striker after losing Jhon Duran in January.
But, according to Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Jackson’s red cards will have no bearing on his future at Stamford Bridge.
"It happened against Newcastle and today,” Maresca told BBC Sport. “I am not 100% sure it's a red card compared to the Newcastle one.
"It's a little bit of a bad moment for Nico. The red card has nothing to do with Nico's future... Nico knows in both games it was not good for the team."
Jackson apologised to his teammates in the dressing room and issued a statement to supporters on Instagram less than two hours after the match had finished.
It read: "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, 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. 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."
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