Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has discovered his punishment for the red card he received during the 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Club World Cup. Nicolas Jackson was on the pitch for just four minutes in the second half when he was sent off for a reckless studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas.
The Senegal international’s second red card in just four matches across all competitions left former Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi in disbelief. Speaking on DAZN after the game, Mikel expressed his frustration: “It’s unbelievable, unbelievable. A stupid, stupid, stupid mistake. I don’t know what’s going through his head. You come into the game, your team needs to get back into the game, and he does that.
“He did that in the [Premier] League game at Newcastle, a very important match where we needed to win to qualify for the Champions League [which Chelsea lost]. He got a red card then, and now he’s done it again. You can’t keep making mistakes.”
Nicolas Jackson received an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of the final group-stage clash against Esperance Sportive de Tunis. However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee reviewed the incident, labeling it serious foul play and decided to extend the ban.
“(A) 2-match suspension for breach under article 14 paragraph 1 e) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This decision is final and binding and cannot be appealed.”
Consequently, the extended two-match ban means Jackson will also miss Chelsea’s potential last-16 tie if they advance. He will only be eligible to feature in the Club World Cup again if the Blues reach the quarter-finals.
Following the match, Jackson took to social media to apologize for his actions. He wrote: “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.”
