FIFA Club World Cup: Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson apologizes after being sent off in Chelsea defeat to Flamengo

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.