Maresca: I don't think there were bad intentions behind chant

BLUES BOSS BACKS UNDER-FIRE FERNANDEZ OVER RACIST VIDEO

- DANIEL ORME

ENZO MARESCA has defended under-fire Enzo Fernandez after the Chelsea star's racist chant storm.

The Argentina midfielder filmed himself chanting racist and transphobic slurs in the aftermath of his nation's Copa America victory.

The song contains lyrics which question the heritage of France's black and mixed race players.

He has since been met with a considerable backlash including from some Chelsea team-mates and the French Football Federation.

Chelsea and France defender Wesley Fofana responded: "Football in 2024 : uninhibited racism." The Blues have since launched an internal investigation regarding the chant as have FIFA.

Fernandez, who will join up with his Chelsea teammates on Monday for their summer tour of the USA, has publicly apologised. And new Blues boss Maresca revealed he does not believe the former Benfica star meant any harm.