Enzo Maresca has leapt to the defence of Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez amidst the furore over a racist chant controversy.
The Argentine midfielder found himself in hot water after a video surfaced showing him singing what appeared to be a racist and transphobic chant following Argentina's Copa America triumph, sparking outrage and prompting some of his own teammates to speak out.
French star Wesley Fofana was among those who condemned the incident, remarking on social media: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism."
Chelsea have reacted by initiating an internal probe into the matter.
Fernandez has issued a public apology for his actions. Now, Chelsea's new manager Maresca has weighed in, expressing his belief that Fernandez did not intend any harm with his actions.
During the team's pre-season tour in the USA, Maresca commented: "I don't think there are any bad intentions behind [it] so starting from that point, for me it is quite easy. The player already did a statement apologising.
"The club did the same so there are not many things to add but the only thing I can say from my point of view that I can add that they are all young with good intentions. Good guy, good person, good human being. There was not any bad intention."
When questioned about potential issues with Fernandez reintegrating with the team, Maresca confidently stated: "I don't think so to be honest. Probably it is the immediate reaction.
"But all in all, I don't think so. I spoke with Enzo but as I said, I spoke with all of them. The situation is quite clear. He did already a statement apologising, the club did the same so."
The midfielder is set to make a comeback to Chelsea on July 29, following an extended break, as confirmed by Maresca. This rules him out of pre-season clashes with Wrexham and Celtic, though he might feature when Chelsea go head-to-head with Club America.
Fernandez took to Instagram issuing a heartfelt apology for the contentious video surfacing during national team celebrations. He penned: "I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words."
Fernandez added: "I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry."
The 23-year-old recently graced River Plate with his presence once more and was greeted by a chorus of the infamous chant from the stands. Fernandez acknowledged the crowd with a gesture amidst the stir.
