Featured Image Credit: Chelsea
Topics: Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez, Enzo Maresca, Football, Reece James
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez, Enzo Maresca, Football, Reece James
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and club captain Reece James have spoken out on Enzo Fernandez's racist chant video.
Fernandez angered his club colleague Wesley Fofana after uploading a video of himself and his Argentina teammates singing a derogatory song about the French national team following their Copa America triumph.
Fofana called out the midfielder on social media before reportedly unfollowing him on Instagram.
The Argentinean was involved in more controversy as he returned to River Plate to celebrate his national team's success.
And ahead of returning to Chelsea for pre-season training, Maresca and James have shared their thoughts on the racist video.
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When asked for his verdict, the Chelsea head coach replied: "I think it’s quite easy in terms of the player did a statement apologising, the club did the same.
"I don’t think there’s something to add in terms of this situation, it’s already clear and clarified."
Pressed on whether he sees any problems with Fernandez's return to the Chelsea squad ahead of the new season, Maresca added: "I don’t think so, to be honest.
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"In the end they are all human beings. I don’t think there is any bad intention from any one of them.
"So, I don’t think when Enzo comes back, we’ll have any kind of problem.
"As I said, the player already clarified the situation, the club did the same, there is nothing to add and once again, I think they are not bad persons or human beings, it can happen, but I don’t think it’s any problem at all.
"I spoke with Enzo, I spoke with all of them, as I said, the player already did a statement apologising, so it’s quite clear."
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James also weighed in on Fernandez's situation as he revealed that he has spoken to the 23-year-old.
"It’s obviously a really difficult situation," he said.
"I think Enzo acknowledged he did wrong and quickly put his hand up and apologised to the club, the team and the people offended.
"He hasn’t arrived yet, so I don’t know if there’s anything to amend. I’ll have to make that judgement when he comes back in.
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"But I hope everyone will be on the same page and can kind of move forward from this situation.
"I’ve spoken to Enzo, and everyone involved but the conversations have to stay in house."