‘You can’t keep making mistakes’ – Mikel slams Jackson over ‘stupid’ red card vs Flamengo

Former Super Eagles and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has slammed Nicolas Jackson following the striker’s reckless red card in Chelsea’s 3-1 FIFA Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo.

Jackson, introduced in the 64th minute, was sent off just four minutes later for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Lucas Ayrton, leaving Chelsea with 10 men during a crucial stretch of the match.

The Blues were trailing 2-1 at the time and eventually fell further behind.

Reacting on DAZN, Mikel didn’t mince words.

“Unbelievable, stupid mistake you can make,” he said. “I don’t know what is going through his head, you come into the game when your team needs you, and you do that.”

The former Nigerian captain highlighted a similar incident involving Jackson earlier this year in a Premier League clash against Newcastle United.

“He did that in the league game at Newcastle, a very important game we needed to win to get into the Champions League. Now he’s done it again. You can’t keep making mistakes.”

Mikel also addressed Jackson’s mindset amid growing pressure from new signing Liam Delap, who recently joined to challenge for the No.9 role.

“I don’t care what his frustration is, it’s a massive football club. It’s about competition. If you’re angry that Delap is here, embrace it. The only way to win trophies is by competing against each other.”

With Jackson suspended, Chelsea must now beat Esperance in their final Group D match to secure progression.