‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’ – Jackson’s Red Card Opens Door for Delap

‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’ – Jackson’s Red Card Opens Door for Delap

On the day Liam Delap earned his first start for Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson responded by getting sent off just four minutes after replacing him — drawing widespread criticism and potentially handing Delap a golden opportunity.

The 24-year-old Senegalese striker, who came on in the second half, received a straight red card for a reckless, studs-up challenge during Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

Chelsea Collapse After Bright Start

Chelsea had taken the lead through Pedro Neto, but a disastrous six-minute spell saw Bruno Henrique and Danilo put Flamengo ahead before Wallace Yan sealed the win. Jackson’s red card made a comeback almost impossible.

With Jackson now suspended in both the Premier League and the Club World Cup, manager Enzo Maresca is expected to turn to Delap for the crucial next match against ES Tunis, and the league opener versus Crystal Palace.

Maresca: “It Changed the Dynamic”

“Six minutes changed the game,” Maresca said.

“The red card changed the dynamic. They deserved to win. Nico apologised — it’s not about his future, but it wasn’t good for the team.”

Maresca suggested Jackson could face an extended ban due to the reckless nature of his challenge.

Jackson: ‘I’m So Angry at Myself’

Shortly after the game, Jackson issued an apology on Instagram:

“To the club, staff, team-mates and fans — I let you down.

I still don’t fully understand how it happened… No excuses. I take full responsibility.”

He also apologised to the squad in person, confirmed by both Maresca and Marc Cucurella.

Criticism Mounts: ‘Stupid, Stupid, Stupid’

Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, speaking on Dazn, called the challenge “unbelievable” and “stupid”:

“You come in at 2-1 down and do that? It’s a massive club. If Delap is competition, embrace it. Don’t react like this.”

Mikel also questioned whether Maresca still trusted Jackson or should now back Delap going forward.

Delap’s Chance to Shine

Signed from Ipswich Town for £30m, Liam Delap was brought in to support Jackson up front. He impressed under Maresca at Manchester City’s U23s, scoring 24 goals in their title-winning season.

Although quiet in his start against Flamengo, he assisted a goal in his debut versus LAFC, showing promise.

Maresca acknowledged the competition recently:

“I am curious to see how Nico reacts to Delap. They’re both good No9s.”

Delap is now likely to start Chelsea’s remaining Club World Cup matches and the opening Premier League fixture.

Cucurella: ‘He Has to Learn’

Marc Cucurella defended Jackson:

“He’s very sad. He tried to win the ball… maybe needs to improve in these things. He’s young, he has to learn.”

Despite internal support, Jackson must now reflect — while Delap has a clear shot to establish himself as Chelsea’s main striker under Maresca.