Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson apologised to his teammates and the club’s fans after picking up his second red card in four matches as the Blues lost 3-1 to Flamengo at the Club World Cup.
Pedro Neto gave Maresca’s side a 13th-minute lead in Philadelphia but six second-half minutes changed the game as Bruno Henrique equalised before Danilo put the Brazilian side in front.
Jackson, on moments earlier as a substitute, then lunged in on Ayrton Lucas to earn a straight red card before Wallace Yan added a late third.
“I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down,” Jackson wrote on Instagram.
“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.
“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.”
Flamengo are now top of Group D and in pole position to secure first place while Chelsea face Esperance Sportive de Tunis on Wednesday without Jackson, who will serve a minimum one-game suspension.
He could be banned for longer if FIFA choose to review the incident.
