Chelsea: Can Nicolas Jackson play again at Club World Cup after 'stupid' red card?

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·24 Juni 2025

Chelsea: Can Nicolas Jackson play again at Club World Cup after 'stupid' red card?

Jackson has now been sent-off twice in his last four Chelsea appearances

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Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has discovered his punishment for his red card in the 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

Jackson had been on the pitch for only four minutes in the second half when he was sent off for a nasty studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas.

This being the Senegal international’s second red card in his last four matches across all competitions left former Blues midfielder Mikel John Obi in disbelief.

Speaking on DAZN after the game, Mikel said: "It's unbelievable, unbelievable. A stupid, stupid, stupid mistake. I don't know what's going through his head. You come into into the game, your team needs to get back into the game, and he does that.

"He did that in the [Premier] League game at Newcastle, a very important game where we need to win to qualify for the Champions League [which Chelsea lost]. He got a red card, and now he's done it again. You can't keep making mistakes."

The 24-year-old received an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of the final group-stage clash against Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

However, FIFA's disciplinary committee reviewed the incident and deemed it serious foul play and extended the ban.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanction on Chelsea's player Nicolas Jackson who was sent off as a result of a direct red card during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between his team and CR Flamengo..." FIFA said in a statement.

"(A) 2-match suspension for breach under article 14 paragraph 1 e) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This decision is final and binding and cannot be appealed."

So, as a result of an extended two-match ban, Jackson will also miss Chelsea's potential last-16 tie if they advance. This means he will only feature in the Club World Cup again if the Blues reach the quarter-final.

Nicolas Jackson was sent-off against Flamengo

AP

Jackson did apologise for his actions on social media after the match.

He wrote: “I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my teammates, 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.”