The Brazilian side overturned a first-half deficit—Pedro Neto had given Chelsea the lead—by scoring twice in six minutes through Bruno Henrique and Danilo. ..Continue Reading
Things worsened for the Blues when Nicolas Jackson, just minutes after coming on, received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Ayrton Lucas.
Wallace Yan added a third to seal Flamengo’s second consecutive group win.
Palmer, who started the match, had a quiet outing and was unable to influence proceedings as Chelsea faltered at Lincoln Financial Field.
Following the match, Flamengo’s social media team poked fun at Palmer with a cheeky post—later deleted—featuring a Philadelphia weather forecast reading 29°C, a clear dig at the nickname “Cold Palmer”.
In reference to his shiver celebration that Chelsea supporters have become so accustomed to, they said: “Too hot for ‘Cold Palmer.'”
Chelsea, who beat Los Angeles FC on Monday, were off the pace against Flamengo, who had ex-Blue Jorginho in midfield.
The game looked out of reach once they conceded for a second time and were reduced to ten men after Jackson’s sending off.
Referee Ivan Barton had little choice but to show the Senegalese forward a red card, his second in a little over a month.
Jackson apologised to fans on Instagram, saying: “I want to say sorry.
“To the club, the staff, my teammates, 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.”
Chelsea return to action on Wednesday for a crucial Club World Cup group stage clash against Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis, following their narrow 1-0 win over LAFC.
Enzo Maresca’s men require at least a draw to secure a place in the tournament’s knockout rounds.
If they end up finishing second in Group D, they’re likely to meet the winners of Group C in the round of 16—either Bayern Munich or Benfica.
