I’ll come back stronger: 24-year-old Jackson reacts to red card on birthday

Nicolas Jackson has publicly apologised for his red card in Chelsea's 3-1 Club World Cup loss to Flamengo, a dismissal that severely hampered the Blues' chances of a comeback.

The incident, occurring just four minutes after Jackson entered the field as a substitute, saw the Senegal striker receive a straight red for an aggressive studs-up challenge on Flamengo's Ayrton Lucas.

The sending-off came during a disastrous six-minute spell in the second half for Chelsea, where they not only conceded two goals to surrender their half-time lead but also found themselves reduced to ten men.

The red card marks Jackson's second dismissal in just four appearances, having also been sent off for a forearm strike on Newcastle's Sven Botman in a Premier League match last month.

On what was his 24th birthday, Jackson took to Instagram to express his remorse.

"I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down,” he said.

He continued, articulating his frustration with himself, "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 moment in football 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,” he concluded.

Jackson's moment of ill-discipline effectively ended Chelsea's hopes of salvaging anything from the Group D contest at Lincoln Financial Field.

Enzo Maresca's side had initially taken the lead through Pedro Neto's well-taken opener in the 14th minute.

However, Flamengo equalised through Bruno Henrique in the 62nd minute, swiftly followed by a goal from veteran Danilo, before Jackson's costly intervention.

The red card means Jackson will be banned for one game as per FIFA's official rules, which will see Enzo Maresca likely start Liam Delap in Chelsea's next Club World Cup fixture against ES Tunis.

Furthermore, Jackson's suspension from the Newcastle game also carries over, meaning he will miss Chelsea's first Premier League game of the new season against Crystal Palace.