DAZN forced to apologise after rant at Nicolas Jackson's 'stupid' red card that cost Chelsea

Jon Obi Mikel has slammed Nicolas Jackson's "stupid" actions that led to a sending off at the FIFA Club World Cup, forcing DAZN to issue an apology following the pundit's impassioned rant.

On the day he turned 24 years old, the Chelsea striker was shown another red card during a 3-1 loss to Brazilian outfit Flamengo in Philadelphia.

Jackson, who was sent off in the Premier League at Newcastle back in May – had already lost his starting place in the team to new striker Liam Delap, who signed from Ipswich Town for £30million earlier this summer. So he was forced to settle for an appearance off the bench in the second half.

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A disastrous four-minute spell ensued, during which Flamengo cancelled out Pedro Neto's early goal for Chelseabefore taking the lead through Danilo a few minutes later. Jackson then made things go from bad to worse, with a dangerous studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas's lower leg that led to a straight red card.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca acknowledged the incident post-game, as he said: "It was a red card, so nothing else to say. They deserved to win."

Jackson now faces a one-match suspension, although FIFA could extend the ban upon further examination. Meanwhile, he is also still suspended in the Premier League, and will miss Chelsea's opener in August at home to Crystal Palace.

While Maresca remained rather tight-lipped, ex-Chelsea midfielder Mikel didn't hold back, blasting Jackson on DAZN during their live coverage at the Club World Cup. He said: "Unbelievable. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistake.

"I don't know what was going through his head. Your team needs you and he does that! He did that at Newcastle in an important game. He got a red card. And now he's done this again. You can't keep making mistakes like this."

When questioned if Jackson's actions could be due to frustration over losing his spot to Delap, Mikel added: "I don't care what his frustration is [Delap starting]. This is a massive football club and it's about competition.

"If you're angry or p****d off, then you have to embrace it. We need competition."

DAZN presenter Kelly Somers offered an apology for the language used by Mikel. Reflecting on the incident later on in the game, Mikel said: "Jackson needs to have a word with himself, where do you want to go with your Chelsea career?"

After the match, Chelsea's Marc Cucurella defended Jackson but admitted there has to be change in the striker's decision-making in the future.

Cucurella said: "He's very sad. He tried to win the ball, had the bad luck that he kicked his leg and that's it. He's a young player with a lot of quality but maybe needs to improve a little bit in these things.

"But he has to learn. After the manager spoke, he said sorry, he didn't do it on purpose. He's a very important player for us, we will miss him in the next game but this is football."

Jackson later issued an apology of his own on social media, as he told his Instagram followers: "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, 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."

DAZN has the rights to the full competition in the UK and the only way football fans can watch every game of the tournament free is by signing up here as part of a DAZN Freemium subscription.