🔵 Chelsea in Chaos as Jackson Sees Red on Delap's Debut – Flamengo Stun the Blues 3–1
🚨 FlamengONE, Chelsea ZERO
Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign is hanging by a thread after a crushing 3-1 defeat to Flamengo — and the headlines are being stolen not by the goals but by Nicolas Jackson’s shocking red card.
⚽ Match Recap:
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Pedro Neto gave Chelsea a dream start
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Then it all collapsed in 6 chaotic minutes:
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⚽ Bruno Henrique (Flamengo equaliser)
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⚽ Danilo (Flamengo go-ahead goal)
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🟥 Jackson sent off within 4 minutes of coming on
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⚽ Wallace Yan sealed the deal with a late third
"It’s a little bit of a bad moment for Nico." – Enzo Maresca, post-match
😬 Jackson's Nightmare Continues
Celebrating his 24th birthday, Jackson was subbed on — and sent off 4 minutes later for a reckless studs-up challenge on Lucas Ayrton. It’s his second red card in four matches, and it couldn't come at a worse time.
He’s now:
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❌ Suspended from the Club World Cup
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❌ Suspended from the Premier League
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❌ Under fire from Chelsea fans & pundits
The timing? Brutal — just as Liam Delap made his first start, impressing and now likely to take the lead striker role.
👔 Maresca Responds
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was blunt:
"It happened against Newcastle, and today. Nico knows in both games it was not good for the team."
He hinted that Jackson could face an extended suspension in this tournament, which may force Chelsea to lean on Delap moving forward.
🗣 Player Apologies
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Jackson issued a public apology on Instagram
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Teammates Marc Cucurella and Maresca confirmed he apologized in the locker room
But apologies might not be enough to save his spot, with pressure mounting and form collapsing.
🔮 What’s Next?
Chelsea face a must-win clash vs ES Tunis next. A loss means early exit from a tournament they were tipped to go deep in. And with Jackson out, all eyes will be on Liam Delap.
