Kenedy has been sent home from Chelsea’s pre-season tour after his offensive social media posts sparked an outrage in China.
As reported by The Telegraph, Kenedy had to fly home to the UK on Tuesday following talks with Chelsea management, facing an uncertain future.
The action comes after the influential Chinese newspaper People’s Daily hit out at Kenedy’s offensive posts and demanded Chelsea take a zero-tolerance punishment towards the footballer.
On Monday, the English Premier League champions issued a long statement of apology in bilingual language to China and their Chinese fans on their official website. A statement from the club said: “Kenedy’s actions were a mistake that he will learn greatly from.
“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.”
“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club has the utmost respect and admiration for China and loves our Chinese fans.
“It is because of this that the negative impact we have seen over the last two days has left us shocked and saddened.
“Once again, we sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to our Chinese fans as well as to the Chinese people.”
Chelsea will continue their pre-season preparations on Tuesday when they face Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup.