Chelsea’s Club World Cup aspirations were somewhat crushed when Nicolas Jackson received his second red card in four games. His action condemned the team to global backlash and left them in shambles after the 3-1 defeat to Flamengo.
Pedro Neto gave the Blues a fairy tale beginning to the game in Philadelphia after he volleyed in his effort in the 13th minute. However, Flamengo fought back with mettle in the second half. Bruno Henrique equalized, while Danilo put the game in the Brazilian champions’ favor.
Nicolas Jackson, freshly substituted, raced wildly at Ayrton Lucas with his studs up and earned an instant straight red. Wallace Yan then punished the Blues with the third goal to seal the group stage defeat.
This led Jackson to make a public apology on Instagram, amid massive backlash:
“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 very 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.”
He finished:
“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.”
Reactions to Nicolas Jackson’s Red Card
It’s Nicolas Jackson’s second red, following a similar dismissal against Newcastle United last season. Although Maresca described it as “a bad moment,” he was nevertheless understanding. Marc Cucurella also sympathized: “He’s very sad… He’s a good player with lots of quality… He has to learn.”
However, not all reactions were forgiving. Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel lashed out during a live broadcast, suggesting that if Jackson doesn’t learn, Liam Delap could soon take his place in the starting eleven.
With Flamengo in charge of Group D now, Chelsea must beat Esperance Sportive de Tunis on Wednesday if they hope to preserve their chances for a knockout round appearance. They will be without Jackson, who will receive at least a one-game suspension. FIFA can review the suspension and ban him from more games, further complicating the Blues’ task in the tournament.