Chelsea Midfielder Fernandez Set to Rejoin Squad After Racism Controversy

New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says midfielder Enzo Fernandez is due back with the team on Monday following a social media storm sparked by a racist video.

Maresca, unveiled as head coach in Santa Clara, California, believes Fernandez can be reintegrated smoothly despite the controversy.

Fernandez caused a stir by posting a video on Instagram showing him and Argentina teammates singing a song deemed “racist and discriminatory” by the French football federation.

The footage, filmed during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations, angered some Chelsea players who publicly condemned the video.

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Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maresca, speaking at Levi’s Stadium where Chelsea faces Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly, downplayed the incident.

“Fernandez apologized, the club apologized, and I think that’s that,” he said. “There’s no need to dwell on it further.”

Maresca addressed concerns about reintroducing Fernandez to the squad.

“Honestly, I don’t foresee any issues,” he said. “We’re all human. I don’t believe there was any malicious intent. Once Enzo returns, I’m confident everything will be fine. He’s addressed the situation, and so has the club. There’s nothing left to say.”

Chelsea captain Reece James echoed Maresca’s sentiment.

“Enzo admitted his mistake and apologized,” James said. “I’ve spoken to him and those involved, but those conversations are private.”

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