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July 24, 2017

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Chelsea disciplines Brazilian player over his offensive posts

CHELSEA football club yesterday apologized for Brazilian defender Kenedy’s Instagram posts which it accepted “caused great offense and hurt the feelings” of the people of China.

“His behavior 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,” the club said on its website.

On Friday, the day before the team’s pre-season game with Arsenal in Beijing, the 21-year-old had written: “Porra China.” In Portuguese, “porra” is similar to the “f” word.

Another post showed a sleeping Chinese security guard with the caption: “Acorda China. Vacilao,” which roughly translates as “Wake up China. Idiot.” 

The posts angered Chinese soccer fans, and there were demands for the club and the player to apologize.

Kenedy later responded on Instagram, denying any racist intent. “Hello my friends, just wanna say sorry if someone was sad because I used the expression ‘porra,’ was no racism, just an expression … big hug,” he posted.

Chelsea also issued a statement on its Weibo account on Saturday night, stating that the club “is very sorry for the social media messages posted by Kenedy.”

“This behavior fell well below the very high standards we expect of our players. Kenedy regrets the posts and any upset they have caused and has apologized,” the club said.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club has the utmost respect for the Chinese people, who have been the most incredible hosts and we are extremely grateful for their hospitality,” it said.

But thousands of replies to the Weibo post demanded a more sincere apology.

“As a fan of Chelsea, I think the statement is too perfunctory. And there’s no actual punishment…” was one reply.

“Please tell him (Kenedy) to apologize sincerely and then get out of China,” another insisted.

Before Saturday’s match against Arsenal, which Chelsea won 3-0, fans could be heard booing the Brazilian when his name was announced. The boos came again every time he touched the ball.

Later, Kenedy posted a second statement on Instagram in Chinese and Portuguese, asking for forgiveness from the Chinese people.

“I’d like to apologize again here. My offending Chinese people was not intentional. I like China very much and feel grateful for the Chinese people’s warm hospitality. I thank you for your support and hope you can forgive me. I hereby sincerely apologize,” it said.

The club also issued another apology in both English and Chinese on its website yesterday, saying it “once again solemnly and sincerely apologizes.”




 

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