Nicolas Jackson apologizes after expensive reds, stops Chelsea from entering the club World Cup
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson apologized after he beat Flamengo 3-1 in the club’s World Cup group stage.
Senegal International was fired shortly after becoming a replacement, complicating the disastrous six-minute spell and stunning the game.
Enzo Maresca’s team led in Philadelphia due to a 13-minute strike by Pedro Neto, but Flamengo rushed into the game after a break.
Bruno Henrique improved the score before Danilo put the Brazilian side in front. A moment later Jackson showed a straight red red on Ayrton Lucas, while Wallace Yan added a third to defeat Flamengo’s victory.
Jackson took to Instagram after the game and wrote: “I think I’m sorry. I’m disappointed you to the club, the staff, my teammates and all the fans who watched it.
“Another red card… I’m honestly angry with myself. I work very hard every day to help the team not get us into this situation.
🚨Nicolas Jackson statement after red card.
“I think I’m sorry. I’m disappointed you with the club, the staff, my teammates and all the fans who watched it. Another red card, honestly, I’m very angry with myself. I’m trying every day to help the team not put us like this… pic.twitter.com/ov2f8b6kyh
– Fabrizio Romano (@fabrizioromano) June 20, 2025
“I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is obvious: it’s not intentional. It’s just a football moment that goes the wrong way.
“No excuses. I take full responsibility. I will reflect, I will grow, I will be stronger for badges and for all who believe in me. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry.”
This is Jackson’s second red card in four games, which was previously rejected against Newcastle.
Manager Enzo Maresca said: “This is for Newcastle and it happened today… It was a bad time for Nico.”
Maresca also refuted any connection between Jackson’s recent struggle and the arrival of forward Liam Delap, insisting: “The red card has nothing to do with Nico’s future.”
