Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel labelled Nicolas Jackson's sending-off against Flamengo a "stupid mistake" and said his old club lack leaders.
Jackson was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas four minutes after coming on as a substitute for new signing Liam Delap at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia as Chelsea collapsed to a 3-1 loss at the Club World Cup.
Chelsea looked to be on track for a second win at the competition after Pedro Neto's breakaway opener in the first half but poor defending saw them concede twice in three minutes after the break, with Jackson's moment of madness following moments later.
Wallace Yan's late goal sealed the victory for Flamengo but Jackson's sending-off, on his 24th birthday, and only six weeks after he saw red for an elbow on Newcastle defender Sven Botman in the Premier League, was the dominant talking point.
Speaking on DAZN, Mikel, who won 11 trophies in an 11-year spell at Chelsea, said of Jackson's red card: "Unbelievable. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistake.
"I don't know what's going through his head. You come into the game, you're 2-1 down, your team needs you, and you do that.
"He did it in the important Premier League game against Newcastle, when we needed to win to qualify for the Champions League places, and he has done it again.
"You can't keep making mistakes."
Jackson's red card came after an impressive first start from Delap, a £30m signing from Ipswich who has joined Chelsea to compete for the Senegal international's starting spot in Enzo Maresca's team.
"I don't care what his frustration is," added Mikel. "Chelsea is a massive football club and it's about competition.
"If you are angry, if you are p****d off that Delap is coming to the club and he is going to be your competition, you have to embrace it.
"If you are a big player, you embrace it."
Maresca wouldn't be drawn on Jackson's sending-off in his post-match interview. "It was a red card, so nothing to say," he said.
But Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella defended his team-mate, saying he will learn from it. "It is a bit of bad luck," said Cucurella.
"He tried to put his foot in to kick the ball but he kicked the player's leg. That's it. We now miss him for the next game.
"He is a young player with a lot of quality and maybe he needs to improve this. We are not perfect, it's part of the game."
'Chelsea need to bring in a top goalkeeper'
Mikel's criticism was not just aimed at Jackson. He felt Chelsea's collapse was indicative of a lack of leadership generally.
"When you talk about leaders, people that can be on the pitch and control the game and their team-mates, that is what Chelsea had when the likes of John Terry and Didier Drogba were at the club.
"People who can call the players around and say, 'Listen, let's calm down a bit'. I don't see that here, I don't see leaders. I just see players making mistakes."
Mikel felt goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was one of those players, in addition to Jackson.
"I've talked about him so many times," he added. "Sanchez, I don't think he is a goalkeeper that can lead us to winning titles.
"If you want to win titles and become a big football club, you need to have a top goalkeeper.
"For me, I've said it so many times, he's not that guy, he's not that goalkeeper.
"We need to strengthen this summer and bring in a top, top goalkeeper if we want to compete in terms of winning titles."
The defeat to Flamengo leaves Chelsea second in Group D at the Club World Cup, three points behind leaders Flamengo ahead of their final group game against ES Tunis on Wednesday.
akiamo
0
Who called a spade a hook? Did I praise the person you criticized. You could have criticized his performance but the racist upbringing you have had to tear it’s ugly head. Just drop your address mate. That’ll be the bravest act of your life
...that performance was by a person. you cannot separate the two. somebody's higher centers produced that performance.
akiamo
0
Who called a spade a hook? Did I praise the person you criticized. You could have criticized his performance but the racist upbringing you have had to tear it’s ugly head. Just drop your address mate. That’ll be the bravest act of your life
truth hurts, and maybe confused for something else.......easy escape is "racial cry!".....pipo need to grow up, accept your weaknesses and stand up for the better. Do not ran to racial defense....thats cheap play; cheap victim play. I repeat, call a spade is a spade! simple!
wizbcdknyz
0
am a coward yes✅; though I call a spade a spade.
Who called a spade a hook? Did I praise the person you criticized. You could have criticized his performance but the racist upbringing you have had to tear it’s ugly head. Just drop your address mate. That’ll be the bravest act of your life
akiamo
0
Be brave and don’t censor your comment. Be sure to drop your address too. So the world knows you stand for what you say. Racist piece of crap.
am a coward yes✅; though I call a spade a spade.
NanbalRaphael
0
You are very correct. Even Neto and Palmer can't disturb Defenders but the Coach is dumb and immature
I know Madueke is kinda selfish but he is the only winger that can penetrate defences.
wizbcdknyz
0
foolish player from a continent of..#*
Be brave and don’t censor your comment. Be sure to drop your address too. So the world knows you stand for what you say. Racist piece of crap.
Hatbdkoryz
0
someone should remind that foolish OBI of how many red cards he has to his name on a Chelsea jersey.
tell us how many
samprass101
0
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
2 red cards in 3 games
samprass101
0
someone should remind that foolish OBI of how many red cards he has to his name on a Chelsea jersey.
you can also remind us. stupid citizen
zikbcemsz
0
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
I'm not alleviating Jackson of any blame. He was reckless with his challenge. Not gonna deny that. But, criticising him the way Mikel did just didn't sit well with me. Mikel took it to a whole personal level.
zikbcemsz
0
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
And you that have kicked a ball before, what happened to your playing career? They were already on the losing side before Jackson's introduction. Why talking like he cost his team the 3 available points? James was shit, Chalobah was bang average, Sanchez played the way only he can. The team lacked cohesion. But guess what, only Jackson was called out because he was red carded. Mikel has always had issues with Jackson even before the commencement of the just concluded season. Not surprised he singled out Jackson though.
jiaacelmyz
0
Talking like it's the first Red Card that have ever been given in football history,,, we use to see them Alot,, but why do we have to go after him as if he is the one that cost us a lost,, he come in while we were already 2-1 down,, why can't we talk about James that was losing balls in the Midfielder,,, and talk about Palmer who's Winger was lack of performance,, blame the coach for Leaving Madueke out and Use Neto on the wrong Foot,, Starting Chalab and Leave Tosin who's in the best form all this Games,,, JACKSON'S REDCARD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR LOST,, stop criticising the guy and face the reality,, if we were to win than we could have be leading 2 or 3 before Jackson come in,, Mikel hate the guy,, and we don't care
please who signed that Jackson for club like Chelsea a striker in a season his name will not appear in 10 top striker in premier league you call him a player striker stupid Jackson he cannot score that goal that Neto score yesterday
jiaacelmyz
0
Talking like it's the first Red Card that have ever been given in football history,,, we use to see them Alot,, but why do we have to go after him as if he is the one that cost us a lost,, he come in while we were already 2-1 down,, why can't we talk about James that was losing balls in the Midfielder,,, and talk about Palmer who's Winger was lack of performance,, blame the coach for Leaving Madueke out and Use Neto on the wrong Foot,, Starting Chalab and Leave Tosin who's in the best form all this Games,,, JACKSON'S REDCARD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR LOST,, stop criticising the guy and face the reality,, if we were to win than we could have be leading 2 or 3 before Jackson come in,, Mikel hate the guy,, and we don't care
is a lie he is the course Jackson cause course it because Jackson came in when Chelsea is 1-1 the next minute they score the second goal before his red card so Jackson is a failure take it or leave it
Kizo8
1
Mikel took the criticism way too far, though. The same Mikel I know was also reckless during his playing days, too. Now, he's there in the studio spewing gibberish from his mouth like he was blame free during his playing days. NAWA OOO
Reckless and they were winning. Which one do you prefer?
Caebklmyz
0
Jackson must always control his temper.. In football it's not over until it's over. Keeping a cool head throughout 90 minutes is necessary. He should remain cool and play his game.
Pori
0
FIFA JUST SELECTED CHELSEA INSTEAD OF LIVERPOOL IN ORDER TO HUMILIATE AND DEFAMATION OF ENGLAND. BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THEY CAN DO NOTHING.
Lies, Chelsea deserved to be there in the competition because will won the Champions League in 2021. Did MC won anything last season?
Tamabiltz
1
I blame the coach Endzo Maresca for all this things. look at Petrovic back at home, he knows how Jackson and Sanchez has cost us matches. they are top strikers out there and I don't know what he wants from Jackson, 3 good season nothing positive from him
kikbdotu
0
criticism must went out where it's deserved why Sanchez? Palmer, James, Chalo and Cucu what's that?
madacdoprs
1
My team is lezzy very week guys
Hidaeintuz
3
FIFA JUST SELECTED CHELSEA INSTEAD OF LIVERPOOL IN ORDER TO HUMILIATE AND DEFAMATION OF ENGLAND. BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THEY CAN DO NOTHING.
Jipaeklmp
1
someone should remind that foolish OBI of how many red cards he has to his name on a Chelsea jersey.
Loccdipy
2
Someone should please tell the coach that we are in a tournament to win and NOT a preseason where all sorts of experiments are made. His selection in this game is a total nonsense
Loccdipy
1
Talking like it's the first Red Card that have ever been given in football history,,, we use to see them Alot,, but why do we have to go after him as if he is the one that cost us a lost,, he come in while we were already 2-1 down,, why can't we talk about James that was losing balls in the Midfielder,,, and talk about Palmer who's Winger was lack of performance,, blame the coach for Leaving Madueke out and Use Neto on the wrong Foot,, Starting Chalab and Leave Tosin who's in the best form all this Games,,, JACKSON'S REDCARD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR LOST,, stop criticising the guy and face the reality,, if we were to win than we could have be leading 2 or 3 before Jackson come in,, Mikel hate the guy,, and we don't care
our coach is useless and clueless 🙈
tikdeiklnz
0
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
you called that a bad timing?? Jackson did not have any intention of kicking the ball away at all, how can a striker suspend his leg on the air like that for a tackle, that is an intention of breaking someone's leg, go and watch the clip again that's a reckless tackle
lukblstz
0
In fact watching the video once again shows Jackson was very wrong with the way he jumped on the opponent's leg as if he wanted to stop the guy from scoring a goal in the 18. I recommend Chelsea to fine him for this Reckless & Unwanted action. This is becoming RED CARD too Many of him.
Vuzbeklmnz
2
Jackson must leave the club immediately....his conscious towards the club isn't aligning at all
lukblstz
1
Talking like it's the first Red Card that have ever been given in football history,,, we use to see them Alot,, but why do we have to go after him as if he is the one that cost us a lost,, he come in while we were already 2-1 down,, why can't we talk about James that was losing balls in the Midfielder,,, and talk about Palmer who's Winger was lack of performance,, blame the coach for Leaving Madueke out and Use Neto on the wrong Foot,, Starting Chalab and Leave Tosin who's in the best form all this Games,,, JACKSON'S REDCARD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR LOST,, stop criticising the guy and face the reality,, if we were to win than we could have be leading 2 or 3 before Jackson come in,, Mikel hate the guy,, and we don't care
we disagree with you totally. bcos d Red Jackson collected was uncalled for. Afterall when last did he had one?
Roeabmort
2
Talking like it's the first Red Card that have ever been given in football history,,, we use to see them Alot,, but why do we have to go after him as if he is the one that cost us a lost,, he come in while we were already 2-1 down,, why can't we talk about James that was losing balls in the Midfielder,,, and talk about Palmer who's Winger was lack of performance,, blame the coach for Leaving Madueke out and Use Neto on the wrong Foot,, Starting Chalab and Leave Tosin who's in the best form all this Games,,, JACKSON'S REDCARD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OUR LOST,, stop criticising the guy and face the reality,, if we were to win than we could have be leading 2 or 3 before Jackson come in,, Mikel hate the guy,, and we don't care
Rodknsty
1
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
Jackson is truly a rubbish player and keep costing the team with his useless emotions, he raised his boots high, I don't think he was trying to win the ball there lad, go watch the replay before you reply me
Kevinchuks
1
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
just take a time read what you wrote here ok, what he Mikel said is just what he supposed to say cos if you refuse to learn from your mistakes your mistakes will become your pattern of life. For you to hear ex players sometimes say something about their former clubs, they already knows a lot around there and what a player can feels. And moreover it's only a player that have so much interest "a good one" for his former clubs can sometimes get emotional about it.. learn and don't come here and be talking trash. Well you haven't kick a ball before.
zikbcemsz
0
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
Mikel took the criticism way too far, though. The same Mikel I know was also reckless during his playing days, too. Now, he's there in the studio spewing gibberish from his mouth like he was blame free during his playing days. NAWA OOO
Coyblopt
1
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
if he's not criticized this way,he(Jackson) won't learn from his mistakes. He should grow up. How can u be 2-1 down and you're making reckless and stupid tackles. I love OB criticism of Jackson. It will only make him think straight next time. Am an African too and a fan of Jackson,but let's call a spade a spade
akiamo
0
foolish player from a continent of..#*
Nudabcistu
4
sell the idiot
muyaclmsz
1
coach is always playing in the midfielder i don't know why?
bwambamo
1
Another useless former player, just like the ones of man utd who talk shit about current players. Obi talks as if he has never been on the pitch. I am not a fan of Jackson, and neither am I a fan of Chelsea, but if you saw that red, the guy was just unluck. it was a bad timing. he aimed to play the ball, and unfortunately, he caught the opposition player's leg. I understand it's their job to talk about incidents after matches, but sometimes they become personal and emotional. I agree Jackson used a lot of force and aggression to try to win the ball, but that's too much of OB criticising him. you can criticise someone in a professional way without insults. why try to diminish your fellow african? I did not like it
Fibdiklmsu
0
the whole team is a mess
You are right
Nayimrsuyz
1
Jackson is just an useless asshole,i hate this man ,,he is just so bullshit
Docbclmpyz
2
Even the line up was not good to defeat flame go, it was wide open and our midfielders just want to defend that 1nil [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] I was expecting Andre Santos to come in for gusto or james 😭😭😭 and this really shows that the coach still not ready to compete even in the premier league next season
Honourable82
0
Chelsea need to use Jackson as defender then use one defender as striker
yeah u have said ur mind but get ready for penalty every match
Kimblnsy
1
stupid striker Jackson sell him
johabnoprt
0
the whole team is a mess
yes
Mabbinorsy
0
It is obvious that Jackson is frustrated because he didn't start the match and is very unprofessional of him because big players thrive under competition and besides Chelsea FC is not his father's property so he can't dictate what the club should do because he hasn't done anything for Chelsea FC to justify that he shouldn't be dropped at some point. useless player
Useless 😭😭😭
Sesnotuy
5
please and please Chelsea sell this too idiot Jackson and Sanchez
venablmprt
3
Replace Maresca, period
venablmprt
1
3 games, 2 red cards. Worse Chelsea striker
Adeleye12
2
He (MIKEL) always speaks the truth, but people won't want him to come out and talk that way to these players 😒. I always and will forever support people who speak the truth and not people who are gonna lie to you for you to feel good! you have to learn. Imagine we have MIKEL has the NIGERIA 🇳🇬 PRESIDENT, VERYDARKMAN (VDM) FOR THE VICE P, AND LASTLY SOWORE HAS THE HEAD OF EFCC NIGERIA wouldn't be like this. END ‼️BAD‼️ GOVERNMENT‼️ IN NIGERIA emergency‼️‼️‼️
nlkaihe92
1
Yes very stupid 😤...he did it for the second time in very important game.….first against New Castle Utd and now here again😑
Zazbclpryz
3
Chelsea needs some serious changes E.G striker, Goal keeper these needs urgent consideration
diwacilrtu
1
It is obvious that Jackson has an attitude problem and he lacks football intelligence so I don't see him thriving in our club Chelsea FC. Chelsea should cash in on Jackson before he becomes a complete burden for the club.