Chinese FA responds to Kenedy incident after Chelsea apologies, reprimands

In what could be the final word on the Kenedy incident in Beijing from last weekend, when the Chelsea player made a couple offensive posts on Instagram that caused a rather large controversy, the Chinese FA have released a statement in which they express hope that both player and club have learned “a good lesson” but that we can move on from this incident to continue to “build bridges” between nations, cultures, teams and fans.

“We have taken notice of the inappropriate behaviors involving Mr Robert Kenedy, the strong reaction of the fans as well as the apologies made by Mr Kenedy himself and Chelsea Football Club.”

“We insist that football helps bring peoples together, not apart, build bridges and friendship, not walls and hatred. A professional player serves as role model of the society and the world at large. We hope the club and the players have learnt a good lesson from the incident.”

Chelsea sent Kenedy back to London earlier this week, and replaced him with fellow youngster Cristian Cuevas for the rest of the pre-season tour of Asia. Whether there are further reprisals coming for Kenedy is still unknown at this point, but the Chinese FA’s statement is at least another step in a positive, de-escalating direction to start repairing the damage caused in the relationship.

Meanwhile, according to the Telegraph, the English FA have requested a written statement from both Chelsea and Kenedy regarding the controversy.