Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson has apologised to Chelsea teammates and fans after being sent off against Flamengo for a reckless challenge.
In their second Group D game on Friday night against the Brazilian side, Jackson’s expulsion came just four minutes after coming on as a substitute, following a violent tackle on Ayrton Lucas.
The incident turned the game upside down, as Chelsea conceded two goals in six minutes, leading the team to a 3-1 defeat after having led at half-time.
After the game, Jackson wrote on his official Instagram account: “I want to apologize to the club, the technical staff, my teammates, and all the fans who were watching. I have let you down.”
“Another red card… and I’m very angry with myself. I work hard every day to help the team, not to put them in embarrassing situations like this.
“Honestly, I still don’t understand how this happened. The only thing I know for sure is that I didn’t do it on purpose. It was just a moment of football gone wrong.
“No excuses. I take full responsibility. I will reflect on what happened and come back stronger. Sorry, sorry, sorry.”
This is Jackson’s second red card in just the last four matches, having previously been sent off in a Premier League match against Newcastle for an elbow on Sven Botman.
Chelsea face a crucial match against Esperance in the third round, during which they will be without their suspended striker, placing additional pressure on the team in the race to qualify.
