Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has issued a public apology following his dismissal in the Club World Cup match against Flamengo on June 20, 2025. The incident occurred just four minutes after the 24-year-old came on as a substitute, as he was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Lucas Ayrton. Jackson's sending off compounded Chelsea's woes, as they went on to lose the match 3-1.
Jackson's tackle was described as reckless, with studs up on the shin of the opponent. The red card occurred during a troubling six-minute stretch where Flamengo overturned a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1. Following the match, Jackson took to social media to express his remorse. "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down," he stated. "Another red card… and honestly, I'm so angry at myself."
This is not the first time Jackson's discipline has been called into question. He was also sent off in a Premier League match against Newcastle, a moment that potentially impacted Chelsea's push for Champions League qualification. Reflecting on the incident against Flamengo, Jackson said, "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 moment in football that went the wrong way." He took full responsibility, stating, "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."
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the clear-cut nature of the dismissal, simply stating, "It was a red card, so nothing to say." Maresca now faces a crucial match against Club Tunis to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup. The defeat to Flamengo highlighted the challenges European teams are facing against Brazilian clubs in the competition, with Botafogo having previously defeated Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella commented on Jackson's state of mind, saying, "He's very sad. He tried to win the ball, had the bad luck that he kicked his leg and that's it." Cucurella also emphasized the need for Jackson to learn from the experience. "He's a young player who has a lot of quality. He needs to improve a little bit with these kind of things but we are here to learn and move forward," Cucurella added, "After the manager spoke he said sorry and that he didn't do it on purpose. He's a very important player for us and we will miss him in the next game but that's football.”
Jackson's absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming match, and with the arrival of Liam Delap, competition for the striker position is intensifying. Jackson will need to demonstrate improved discipline and performance to solidify his place in the team.
