Nicolas Jackson breaks silence on Chelsea red card with emotional statement and clear promise

Nicolas Jackson has taken 'full responsibility' for his red card during Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo on Friday, apologising to those associated with the club and its fans.

The Blues were handed an almighty task when Jackson was dismissed in the 68th minute of their meeting with the Brazilian side - the second of three group stage fixtures out in the United States this summer.

Referee Ivan Barton might have had a reputation having handed out an incredible 122 yellow cards and eight reds in just 23 matches last season, but the El Salvador official was certain of his decision after watching the Chelsea striker lunge in high on Erick Pulgar trying to recover a loose touch only four minutes after entering the field as a substitute.

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This was also minutes after Enzo Maresca's had conceded twice in quick succession to throw away their lead gained in the first half, and with ten men they went on to concede again and lose 3-1.

As a result, Flamengo move top of Group D by a clear three points leaving Chelsea to secure progression - potentially as runners-up - to the knockout stages.

This has played out with the end of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign still fresh in Chelsea minds, with the Senegal international also sent off in the third-from-last match against Newcastle United.

Consequently, Jackson has taken to Instagram to pen a statement to apologise for the part his actions played in the negative result.

"I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down," the 24-year-old began. "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 moment in football 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," Jackson apologised three times.

Maresca, reflecting on the incident after the final whistle, responded: "It was a red card, so nothing to say." "It completely changed the game. Unfortunately we conceded two goals in a short moment and then the red card and then I think it is complicated to get back into the game," the Chelsea boss added.

"We tried - but congratulations to them. They deserved to win. "We tried to do something different in the game, for next season and for the future."

In the opposite dugout, Flamengo manager Filipe Luis - former Chelsea left-back - offered his support to Jackson. He said: "Jackson is so good and he is young and he has the quality the club needs. He will surpass this little mistake.

"I think the red was clear, but it is just a small detail. He can be one of the biggest strikers in the world...