Exclusive: ‘Nico Jackson to speak with psychologists as Chelsea fans penalised’
Chelsea psychologists must work closely with Nicolas Jackson to help fix the striker’s disciplinary problems, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old striker continues to let his club, teammates, and supporters down through his actions on the pitch.
Similar concerns emerged following Matheus Cunha’s big-money move to Man United, having been sent off against Bournemouth and receiving a retrospective ban against Ipswich Town.
Enzo Maresca‘s man was only sent off once last season, punished for an elbow on Newcastle United‘s Sven Botman, but with two reds in his last four appearances now, fans are frustrated.
Nicolas Jackson’s future in doubt after Flamengo misery
Replacing Liam Delap just four minutes before the incident, Jackson was rightfully sent off for a studs-up challenge on Ayrton Lucas on Friday, 21 June, and Hackett has urged Maresca to send the Chelsea player home.
The Blues have learned that the 24-year-old will only serve a two-match suspension, already missing one game against Esperance on Wednesday, 25 June, and will also miss the round of 16 clash against Benfica.
Fans on social media have begun turning on the Senegalese international, ready to cash in on him this summer, though Football Insider understands that Jackson remains part of the plans at Chelsea.
His disciplinary record remains a problem, however, and one that Maresca needs to address before the Blues kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season in August.
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Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “The club have the responsibility to deal with their employee because he’s not only penalising the fans not being able to watch a full game of football, but some of his red cards have been on the height of stupidity.
“The club need to get the player, the manager, and any communication needs to be put in writing. He needs to be informed. I’d get a PGMOL referee in before the start of the season, even though this has happened abroad, talk to all the players, and where there are difficult players, talk to them directly.
“At the same time, I’d have a sports psychologist sitting in on the meeting. Is he absorbing the information? Is there arrogance? Is it a short thought, or even a fuse? Is he responding in the wrong way? Clearly, he is.
“The club have a duty of care towards their employee to get the problem fixed. Otherwise, they won’t get value for money, the fans don’t get value for money, and he lets his team down.”