July 25 – Chelsea have issued an apology to the Chinese people over the actions of their young Brazilian player Kenedy who made “offensive social media posts” during the club’s pre-season tour of the country.
The Brazilian under-20 international was booed during Chelsea’s recent 3-0 win over Arsenal in Beijing for disrespectful messages on his Instagram account.
In a trouble-shooting statement after the embarrassing public relations gaffe that did little to pick up fresh admirers in China, the Premier League champions said the 21-year-old winger had been “strongly reprimanded and disciplined.”
“We were surprised and disappointed that one day prior to the match, one of our young players, Kenedy, posted messages on his social media account that caused great offence and hurt the feelings of the people of China.”
“Unfortunately, even though he quickly deleted the messages and apologised, and the club also apologised via our Chinese social media channels, the damage had already been done. Chelsea Football Club once again solemnly and sincerely apologises.
“Kenedy’s actions were a mistake that he will learn greatly from. His behaviour does not represent the entire team and does not align with the club’s high expectations and strict requirements of its young players. He has been strongly reprimanded and disciplined.
“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club has the utmost respect and admiration for China and loves our Chinese fans. It is because of this that the negative impact we have seen over the last two days has left us shocked and saddened. Once again, we sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to our Chinese fans as well as to the Chinese people.”
Chelsea are now reportedly sending Kenedy home from their pre-season tour which has moved on to Singapore.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714699518labto1714699518ofdlr1714699518owedi1714699518sni@w1714699518ahsra1714699518w.wer1714699518dna1714699518