Fofana took aim at “uninhibited racism” in a social media post after the footage went viral, but has since removed the post from his account. Players involved in the latter stages of the Copa America and European Championships were given extra time off before returning to their club responsibilities.

That included Fernandez, who spoke with Fofana and a number of other players upon his return. “It’s simple,” Fofana told reporters.

“He arrived on Monday and we talked with the manager. “I explained why I didn’t like the video.

He explained, he said sorry because he did not want to hurt French fans or anyone,” Fofana continued. “He did not understand when singing it.

He did not understand. And I trust him.

Because I know him. I know he is not racist.

The act, I felt a little bit upset. But now, it is done.

It is finished. We play for the same club and badge and train together.

Now I understand him. He understands me.

Everybody is happy.” In addition to his apology, Fernandez has made a charitable donation, with Chelsea now considering the matter closed.

However, Fofana argued education was more important than financial penalties if a repeat of the drama is to be avoided. “He loses money.

I don’t want Enzo to lose money. The donation is good but the most important thing is not to repeat the act and that we educate everybody.

He is an example because Enzo is a big player, a big star. He understands that and I’m happy like this.

“I don’t think a big sanction for Enzo is a good process. We need to educate about this because cultures are different, a lot of countries.

We don’t have the same education, for good or bad. But we need to educate everybody if we don’t want a repeat.”

Chelsea are in the United States for pre-season. They have three of their five tour names remaining after drawing with Wrexham and losing to Celtic.

“I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my “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.

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