Chelsea forward Noni Madueke says “everything is going to be fine” when Enzo Fernandez returns to the squad despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings concerning alleged racism.
Midfielder Fernandez is set to rejoin the squad on Monday, 29 July, after the 23-year-old was accused of involvement in “uninhibited racism” by Blues team-mate Wesley Fofana.
The French Football Federation said it was shocked to see footage of what it described as a “racist and discriminatory” song being sung by players after Argentina won the Copa America.
The song contains lyrics which question the heritage of France’s black and mixed race players.
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Fernandez has apologised directly to his Chelsea team-mates, six of whom are Frenchmen of African descent, and also publicly, while the club have begun an internal disciplinary procedure.
Football’s world governing body Fifa has also opened an investigation.
Madueke, who started the 2-2 draw with Wrexham in the first pre-season friendly of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s reign, said he and his team-mates would resolve the situation internally.
“That’s something that’s between us players,” Madueke, 22, said. “Enzo is going to come back and join his team again and everything is going to be fine.”
Maresca said earlier on Chelsea’s pre-season tour the situation was “already clear and clarified” and there would not be “any problems at all”.
Captain Reece James has signalled his readiness to act as a mediator, if required, as Chelsea continue their run of games in the United States, with matches against Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid to come.
Madueke, who typically plays on the right wing, explained that he and his Chelsea team-mates are focusing on adapting to Maresca’s style of football, a shift from former manager Mauricio Pochettino’s time in charge.
“You’ve got to stay high and wide and be very patient at times [as a winger],” he said.
“A lot of the time you might not get touches in lower areas of the pitch, but it’s about staying high and waiting for that killer pass when you can go and do real damage.
“It’s about being patient and waiting for the opportunity to run and do my stuff.”
Sources: BBC Sport
