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      Chelsea fans slam ‘weak wrists’ Robert Sanchez as ‘Kepa regen’ after keeper’s howler against Man City

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      CHELSEA fans are worried they have another goalkeeping flop on their hands.The Blues were chasing an equaliser against Manchester City when former midfielder Mateo Kovacic let loose from range.Robert Sanchez was close to keeping out Mateo Kovacic’s effortCredit: AFPThe Spaniard was beaten twice as Man City wonCredit: GettyMateo Kovacic stung his former clubCredit: ReutersHis effort gave City a 2-0 lead but Robert Sanchez got a hand on it and probably should have kept it out.Chelsea fans on social media saw shades of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the ex-Brighton keeper, 26.One wrote: “Sanchez has weaker wrists than Kepa. Wasn’t even a hard shot!”A second added: “no WAY we have a kepa regen.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAA third said: “How many times did this club need to see Robert Sanchez be absolutely diabolical to realise he was absolutely diabolical. It actually boils my blood. He’s terrible, he’s a calamity. GET HIM OUT.”A fourth fumed: “No manager who starts Robert Sanchez in 2024 gets sympathy from me.”Chelsea were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise to see Erling Haaland give City the lead.Nicolas Jackson thought he had netted an equaliser but saw his effort chalked off for offside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after a decent second-half spell for the Blues, City took control again and Kovacic settled the contest.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day: “The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. Robert Sanchez shows off his unbelievable reflexes in Spain training “We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. “We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.”We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. “At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.”It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. “We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.” More

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      Chelsea ratings: Cucurella continues resurgence but Jackson still well off boil

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      ENZO MARESCA’S first game in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan as his former boss Pep Guardiola got one over on him.Erling Haaland gave Manchester City the lead with a neat chip over Robert Sanchez after shrugging off Levi Colwill inside the box on the stroke of the 18th minute.Nicolas Jackson struggled against Man CityCredit: GettyMarc Cucurella was one bright spark for the BluesCredit: PANicolas Jackson thought he had levelled things up for the Blues just before half-time, only for the goal to be ruled out by the linesman’s flag. It was former Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic who put the nail in the coffin of the home side, as he lashed home an effort late on in the second half. It was a similar story to last season for the Blues, who struggled to break down a Manchester City side that didn’t really look challenged.As for the Citizens, they will be pleased by their start to the season, picking up three points and the Community Shield in their past two games. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKevin De Bruyne impressed on his full return to the side, and Phil Foden got minutes in the tank too – Pep Guardiola will only be concerned by an injury to Savinho who was playing like something reminiscent of a certain Riyad Mahrez reincarnated.Find out how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Chelsea players…Robert Sanchez – 4/10Distribution-wise, it’s not good enough; that said, he made an absolutely fantastic save to deny a deflected effort from Jeremy Doku in the first half. Similarly in the second half, made a routine save to deny Erling Haaland before getting a hand to Mateo Kovacic’s shot, but failed to stop it rattling the back of the net.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMalo Gusto – 5It’s more of the impressive attitude we saw last season from the flying Frenchman, but today, he couldn’t stamp his mark on the game at all going forward. We certainly see more of his best qualities in the game where Chelsea have more of the ball, he should grow into the season nicely over the next few games.  Fans say ‘Roy Keane would be proud’ as ‘fashion police’ Micah Richards trolls Redknapp and Sturridge live on Sky SportsWesley Fofana – 5He didn’t look out of his depth in his first Premier League game for Chelsea for over a year, and despite conceding, it was a decent performance to build on in the coming games. Did well physically against Haaland in fairness, and made it through the 90 minutes unscathed which will please Chelsea fans in some capacity.Levi Colwill – 5Levi Colwill could improveCredit: PATough day at the office against physicality personified in Erling Haaland.Did play the ball well out from the back for Chelsea with a few good blocks and tackles. But much the same as with Wesley Fofana, there is room for growth into the season with easier fixtures upcoming, particularly where Chelsea will dominate on the ball.  Marc Cucurella  – 6Forced Jeremy Doku into a change of wing in the first half after winning a tough battle against the Belgian winger, and stepped into challenges well for the most part.Was solid again in the second half before going off with an injury. Romeo Lavia – 6He looked like a calming presence in the Chelsea midfield when he did get the ball and he broke up play pretty well for a player who has been out through injury for so long. Continued his good pre-season form and is deserving of a run  in the side. Moises Caicedo – 5A similar performance really to the aforementioned Lavia, but was one of Chelsea’s better progressors of the ball when they did get forwards and showed some nice touches in the middle of the park.Fans will be left wondering whether he, Lavia and Enzo Fernandez fit into the same midfield.Enzo Fernandez – 5Enzo Fernandez captained the side against CityCredit: GettyA mixed performance from the Argentine midfielder who showed promise in spells, but it really wasn’t the level you would expect of a player with his price tag.This could have been a huge game for the Chelsea captain for the day, but he failed to really stamp his mark on it in comparison to the player whom he replaced, Mateo Kovacic.Christopher Nkunku – 4Enzo Maresca seemed to want him playing as a touchline winger, but the forward looks far more comfortable in the middle of the pitch.He was the first player to be hooked in the second half and was replaced by Pedro Neto, who looked more at home wide on the left-hand side.Cole Palmer – 5Cole Palmer had a quiet matchCredit: ReutersIt was far from the electric performance which saw him scoop heaps of praise last season. He still did show glimpses going forward, but he just failed to impact the game in the ways he did last time around.  Nicolas Jackson – 4New season, same old Nicolas Jackson.A great run in the first half was let down by a pea-roller of a shot into a Man City defender, before he hit the back of the net only to see the official’s flag raised on the far side. I’m sorry Nic Jackson, but it’s a four for you this time round…SUBS:PEDRO NETO (CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU, 58) – 5Not the kind of debut that got fans out of their seats, but with The Blues failing to really get him on the ball there was little to take note of.MARC GUIU  (NICOLAS JACKSON, 66) – 5Less impactful than Nicolas Jackson, but in considerably less time.For a player who can dominate physically, he looked a little intimidated by the Manchester City defence and wasn’t really presented with any chances. READ MORE SUN STORIESKIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL (ROMEO LAVIA, 67) – 5Many Chelsea fans were disappointed to see Romeo Lavia come off after a good performance, and Dewsbury-Hall failed to add any of the attacking prowess we saw in the Championship last season.RENATO VEIGA  (MARC CUCURELLA, 80) – 5He didn’t have enough time to impact the game after replacing Marc Cucurella, who had more time to establish himself as one of Chelsea’s better performers.  More

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      Gary Neville moans as linesman ‘takes 14 days’ to raise flag for offside in hilarious live moment in Chelsea vs Man City

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      GARY NEVILLE has already had enough of the new offside rules after watching Chelsea’s season opener at Stamford Bridge.Blues striker Nicolas Jackson looked to have strayed past the last defender as he raced through on the Manchester City goal.Nicolas Jackson went too earlyCredit: Sky SportsGary Neville says we have to draw the line somewhereCredit: PAPep Guardiola raged at fourth official Darren EnglandCredit: AlamyNicolas Jackson was battling the offside flag all afternoonCredit: GettyBut the linesman was forced to wait until the Blues had finished attacking before he could raise his flag.As Chelsea lay siege to the City goal, Neville grew increasingly frustrated.And after a wayward cross finally allowed the official to raise his arm, he moaned that it had “taken 14 days.”Replays then showed that Jackson was a yard offside and Pep Guardiola was picked up ranting at the fourth official.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe matchday team followed their instructions to the letter, so the City boss would be better off taking it up with the FA.For once, football fans were in agreement on social media.One wrote: “Ridiculous rule.”Another added: “Stupid waste of time. Let it go on for a 100 years when Jackson was blatantly offside. Meanwhile in other matches referees blow way earlier than expected. PL officials really the worst ever.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third posted: “Jackson was about 2 yards offside and the game has gone on for 30 seconds. Absolutely pathetic.”Jackson’s battle with the offside line continued as he thought he had cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener before the break. Fans say ‘you love to see it after that terrible song’ as Haaland shrugs off Cucurella to score ‘most obvious’ goal everCole Palmer’s effort was uncharacteristically spilled by Ederson and the striker pounced to finish.The flag went up again – immediately this time – and City went into the break 1-0 up at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea fans were not impressed with Jackson’s failure to keep himself onside.One wrote: “Nicolas Jackson was born offside.”A second quipped: “Jackson actually scored while being offside this time, that’s progress.”A third moaned: “Chelsea coaches need to train Nicholas Jackson on the offside rule. This is annoying.” More

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      Disgruntled Chelsea fans chant Conor Gallagher’s name in front of owner Todd Boehly with midfielder being forced out

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      CHELSEA fans were chanting absent hero Conor Gallagher’s name during the Blues’ clash with Manchester City today.Disgruntled fans are upset with the way the academy product-turned-England midfielder has been treated over the summer.Gallagher has been frozen out by ChelseaCredit: GettyTodd Boehly was at the season openerCredit: PAThe chants took place within earshot of Todd Boehly, who is in attendance for the season opener.Gallagher’s move looked to Atletico Madrid looked to be imminent but he has now been left in limbo.Chelsea initially believed his £34million move to Atletico was independent of moves for Samu Omorodion and Joao Felix.But Atletico threatened to pull the move for Gallagher, 24, if his deal was not counted as part of a swap transfer.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGallagher was in Madrid for a number of days and met directors of the club as well as manager Diego Simeone, who personally assured him that the move would go through.But as of now, the transfer has not happened, and Gallagher has returned to training with his boyhood club.He had previously been banned from using the club’s first-team facilities as Chelsea looked to force him into a move.He is the latest victim of the club’s policy to sell academy graduates.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat’s because the players can be listed as pure profit under Chelsea’s profit and sustainability rulings.Trevoh Chalobah is in the same position, having been left out of the club’s pre-season squad and told to find a new club. Fans say ‘you love to see it after that terrible song’ as Haaland shrugs off Cucurella to score ‘most obvious’ goal everGallagher, Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja were all left out of the club’s squad list on the back of Chelsea’s matchday programme today.Chalobah was included in the squad, however.Every Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £54m More

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      Former Premier League star, 45, unrecognisable after sharing photos of his HAIR TRANSPLANT

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      HE was a top-flight flop – thanks to his cocaine shame.But now he’s got a top-level mop – thanks to a new mane!Adrian Mutu posted this double image to show how his hair has changedMutu quit his last job as boss of Romanian top-flight club Cluj in AprilCredit: GettyFormer Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, 45, has proudly unveiled the results of a hair transplant.The 77-cap Romanian stood out for his shaved head during a controversial spell in the Premier League.But now he’s “very happy” with a resplendent set of hair – slicked up with a flourish.Mutu’s brief stint at Stamford Bridge ended in September 2004 after he tested positive for cocaine.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Blues released him and he was ordered to pay them nearly £15million.Mutu has lost every appeal to avoid handing over that huge sum.And the final blow came in 2018 when the European Court of Human Rights rejected his case.Hair-wise, Mutu fluctuated his style in a career where he thrived most at Fiorentina but also played for Inter Milan and Juventus.Most read in FootballMutu was a Romania legend but won’t be remembered so well at ChelseaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSometimes he grew his hair longer, but in England it was brutally short – much like his stint with Chelsea.He did hit ten goals in 36 games but struggled once Jose Mourinho arrived as boss, then promptly departed following his failed drug test.Fans in stitches at Chelsea training video and say it ‘looks like going to the gym on January 1’Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Mutu has had seven jobs as a manager, including with home-country giants Rapid Bucharest.But he quit his last position in charge of Romanian top-tier team CFR Cluj after just three months in April this year.Meanwhile, he’s been patiently developing a new head of hair – a process which took up more time than his Cluj reign.Now he’s posted on Instagram: “After 5 months, I’m very happy with the result thanks to one and only @dr.emrahcinik @drcinik.global.”Alongside the message, Mutu added two pictures – both in sunglasses as he sported trendy stubble.One snap appeared to show him after the first stage of his transplant – with his head looking the same as his short and spiky facial hair.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe other picture displayed his new crop of thick brown hair – gelled up rather triumphantly.All in all, despite taking a razor to his mop at Chelsea, Mutu reckons he’s never looked sharper.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Three big-name Chelsea stars including Conor Gallagher and Romelu Lukaku LEFT OFF matchday programme squad list

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      CONOR GALLAGHER and Romelu Lukaku have been left off of Chelsea’s matchday programme for their game against Manchester City.The Blues host the champions in today’s 4.30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca taking charge of his first competitive game at the club.Three major stars were missing from Chelsea’s matchday programme squad listConor Gallagher was one of the major names excludedCredit: APRomelu Lukaku is also expected to leave the club and was left off the programme back pageCredit: GettyDespite having a new manager, it’s been the same old story regarding transfer business with ten new stars arriving.However, Chelsea are still expecting several players to be sold before the window slams shut, namely Gallagher and Lukaku.Gallagher is expected to join Atletico Madrid once a deal is also agreed for Chelsea to land Joao Felix – following the breakdown in talks for Samu Omorodion.Meanwhile, Lukaku is also expected to join Napoli before the close of the window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd ahead of their expected departures, they were both omitted from the squad list on the back cover of Chelsea’s official matchday programme.Another star expected to leave the club this summer, Armando Broja, was also afforded the same treatment by not featuring on the list.Meanwhile, in terms of the playing squad, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling – whose Chelsea future now looks in doubt – were all not selected for the playing squad despite being named in the list.Lesley Ugochukwu was also named on the Blues’ list despite sealing a loan transfer to Southampton on Friday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBroadcaster Ben Jacobs explained this was due to the programmes being printed well in advance.In his line-up, Maresca named Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana after they returned from long-term injuries.Fans in stitches at Chelsea training video and say it ‘looks like going to the gym on January 1’Enzo Fernandez was also named as captain following the racism storm that clouded his return to the club following the Copa America.Ex-Leicester boss Maresca named five new buys – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga and Filip Jörgensen – on the bench. More

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      Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future in doubt with star ‘seeking clarity’ after being AXED from squad for Man City game

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      RAHEEM STERLING’S Chelsea future is in doubt after he was axed from the squad against Manchester City.The winger was part of Enzo Maresca’s plans in pre-season and his representatives have stated he remains committed to the club despite being omitted from the matchday squad for Chelsea’s season opener.Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea future is in doubtCredit: GettyChelsea stars were welcomed by fans ahead of their season openerCredit: GettyNew signing Pedro Neto was selected ahead of Raheem SterlingCredit: GettyBut his future is now up in the air after he was axed, with Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto selected in the squad ahead of him.Sterling and his team are now seeking reassurances from the club with regard to his future and want clarity about his role in the squad.A statement: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years. He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with. “He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity. “As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. “Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”Sterling, 29, is reportedly a transfer target for Juventus and if he leaves Chelsea could sign Joao Felix, who previously had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge in 2023.But Sterling could return to Chelsea’s matchday squad after featuring in pre-season for the Blues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSterling dipped in form last seasonChelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who previously labelled Sterling an “important player”, revealed his axing was just a “technical decision”.He said: “It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say.Harry Redknapp runs rule over new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ahead of new Premier League season“Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it.” More

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      Enzo Fernandez named Chelsea CAPTAIN for Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge just weeks after racism storm

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has been named Chelsea captain for their Premier League opener against Manchester City.It comes after the midfielder filmed himself singing a racist chant aimed at French players following Argentina’s Copa America victory this summer.Fernandez has been named captain for today’s matchCredit: ReutersFernandez sung a racist song aimed at French players on his Instagram liveCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezHe has been made the club’s cover starCredit: XEnzo Maresca backed the player in an interview with Sky Sports, saying: “He’s one of the captains. He’s not the only captain. But he is the captain today. “I can see the team-mates, they like him as a player and as a man. All of us sometimes do some mistakes. The important thing is to recognise and it’s finished.”In another massive show of support for Fernandez from the club, the Argentine midfielder was made the club’s cover star on their match day programme.The midfielder’s Chelsea future had appeared to be in doubt, with several of his team-mates publicly criticising him following the video.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLResponding to Fernandez singing the vile chant, Chelsea and France centre-back Wesly Fofana quoted the video on X and said: “Football in 2024, uninhibited racism.”Chelsea striker David Datro-Fofana also took to Instagram to say: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic. Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else.”This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport.”Most read in FootballSeveral Chelsea stars also unfollowed Fernandez on social media.The incident was said to have caused serious disruption to Chelsea’s pre-season.But after a meeting between manager Enzo Maresca, Fernandez, Fofana, Reece James and Axel Disasi, the player was forgiven for his actions.Fernandez has captained Chelsea for games during pre-seasonCredit: GettyFofana declared the incident over when he said: “It’s simple.”He arrived on Monday and we talked with the manager. We talked together.Paris Olympics kicks off with fans BOOING Argentina during national anthem after Fernandez’s racist video about FranceMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”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.”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.”Fernandez later took to Instagram to to apologise for his actions and said: “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.“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.”Fernandez also made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity.As such, Chelsea considered the matter resolved and took no action against the player.READ MORE SUN STORIESMaresca has now gone a step further by making Fernandez the club’s on-field captain for today’s match.He has been appointed the club’s vice-captain, and will take over Reece James’ role as captain when he is not available through suspension or injury. More