Nicolas Jackson has issued an apology to “the club, the staff, my team-mates and all the fans” after being sent off during Chelsea’s loss to Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
Jackson, who was sent off against Newcastle in their third-last Premier League match, was brought on after after the hour mark with the scores level. Flamengo scored a second just one minute later and, three minutes after that Jackson raked his studs down the shin of Lucas Ayrton and was immediately dismissed.
Wallace Yan scored Flamengo’s third in a resounding display from the Brazilian giants, leaving the Blues needing a result against ES Tunis in their final Club World Cup group game.
It is the second time in weeks that Jackson has been shown a red card, having been dismissed against Newcastle in an important Premier League game in the race to qualify for the Champions League. Speaking on DAZN as a pundit, former Blues midfielder Mikel John Obi branded Jackson “stupid, stupid, stupid.”
The striker has now apologised. The statement read: “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 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. Sorry. Sorry.”
