Nicolas Jackson apologises to Chelsea team-mates after Flamengo defeat

Nicolas Jackson issued an apology to his team-mates following his red card as Chelsea succumbed to defeat against Flamengo in the blistering heat. Jackson was shown the red card on his 24th birthday, a mere four minutes after being brought on as a substitute for a shocking X-rated tackle.

The incident capped off six minutes of second-half chaos for Chelsea as Flamengo flipped the script, transforming a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead before Jackson's dismissal. Chelsea's Marc Cucurella commented: "He's very sad. He tried to win the ball, had the bad luck that he kicked his leg and that's it. He's a young player with a lot of quality but maybe needs to improve a little bit in these things.

"But he has to learn. After the manager spoke, he said sorry, he didn't do it on purpose. He's a very important player for us, we will miss him in the next game but this is football."

Jackson later wrote on Instagram: "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, 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."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who now faces a must-win scenario in their final Group match against Club Tunis to secure a spot in the knock-out stages, stated: "It was a red card, so nothing else to say. They deserved to win."

The Brazilians have proven too formidable for Europe's elite, following Botafogo's victory over Paris Saint Germain and now Flamengo's triumph over Chelsea, who relinquished Pedro Neto's first-half advantage.

Jackson, more than anyone, should shoulder the blame after missing the latter part of the Premier League season due to a red card for elbowing at Newcastle, which resulted in a three-game suspension.

There was no justification for his dreadful studs-up challenge on Flamengo's Ayrton Lucas, which in this competition results in an automatic one-match ban that FIFA can review and increase.

FIFA could come down hard on the striker for a disgraceful tackle. Jackson has a wealth of talent, but his reckless temperament makes him a risk, and suddenly, after winning their first game, the atmosphere will shift in the Chelsea camp.

They looked promising early on when Neto gave them a 13th-minute lead, darting between Flamengo defenders Wesley and Danilo and sprinting clear for a clean shot on goal before his strike soared past keeper Augustin Rossi.

However, Chelsea couldn't secure a second goal, and Flamengo dominated the second half as the temperature climbed in the stadium in front of 54,019 spectators at the Lincoln Financial Field.

Gonzalo Plata squandered a golden opportunity before he set up Bruno Henrique to equalise after 62 minutes. Chelsea couldn't handle a set piece, and Danilo was the first to respond, turning the game upside down just three minutes later.

Jackson then received his marching orders before Wallace Yan scored the third, causing further chaos in the heart of the Chelsea defence.