'Not any bad intention' - Enzo Fernandez defended by Enzo Maresca amid racist Copa America song storm as Chelsea captain Reece James reveals talks with Argentina midfielder

The Chelsea midfielder is facing disciplinary action after posting a video of the Argentina national team singing a song described as "racist and discriminatory" by the French Football Federation. Fernandez, who engaged in the chant with some of his team-mates following their Copa America triumph, subsequently issued an apology and now new Chelsea manager Maresca has come to the 23-year-old's defence.

Maresca said in Santa Clara on Tuesday: "The player did a statement, apologised, and the club did the same. I don't think there is something to add, the situation is already clear."

When asked if there would be problems bringing him back into the squad, the Chelsea head coach added: "I don't think so, to be honest. At the end, they are all human beings, I don't think there are any bad intentions from any one of them.

"When Enzo is back, I don't think we will have any problems, the player already clarified the situation, and the club did the same. There is nothing to add.

"He is not a bad human being. It can happen, I don't think there are any problems at all. I spoke with Enzo, I spoke with a lot of them. The player has made a statement and apologised, it is clear."

Some of Chelsea's squad were said to be 'very angry' at Fernandez's actions, with team-mate Wesley Fofana saying it was "uninhibited racism". However, club captain Reece James seems to have drawn a line under the incident after speaking to the Argentine behind closed doors.

He said: "Enzo acknowledged he did wrong and apologised to the club and the team. I have spoken to Enzo and everyone involved but those conversations have to stay in house."

Chelsea begin their North America tour against Wrexham on Wednesday, before locking horns with Celtic on Saturday and then Club America on July 31. Fernandez is not on the pre-season tour as he has been given time off following his international exploits. However, the Daily Mail claims he will be back with the Blues' squad on Monday.