Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has apologized for his teammates and fans for his red card in the 3-1 loss of the Flamengo team at the Club World Cup on Friday.
Jackson was only on the field in the second half for four minutes when he was shown a straight red for an annoying studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas, his second red card in four games.
“I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates and all the fans who watch, I abandoned you,” wrote Jackson, who became 24 on Friday, on Instagram.
“Another red card, and to be honest, I am so angry with myself. I work very hard every day to help the team not to place us in these situations. I still do not quite understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it was not intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way.
“No apologies. I take full responsibility. I will think, I will grow, and I will come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry.”
Jackson will serve a minimal suspension of one game. Chelsea is facing Esperance Tunis on Wednesday.
Jackson was sent in a Premier League match against Newcastle last month for a similar challenge.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said: “It's a bit of a bad moment for Nico in things like this. Unfortunately he will now come out for a while, the time we are here.”
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella said that Jackson had apologized to his teammates after the game.
“He is very sad,” said Cucurella. “He is a young player with a lot of quality, but may have to improve a little in these things.”
View the competition statistics of the defeat of Chelsea here.
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