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CHELSEA hope they have drawn a line under the Enzo Fernandez race row after he rejoined the group.
The players are putting on a united front – publicly at least – and seem prepared to accept it was an incredibly foolish mistake by a young star.
But the initial reaction, as well as the fallout in Argentina and France, suggests it is something that cannot be solved with a quick chat and donation to a good cause.
While most within the squad have accepted that things will be back to normal, sources claim there was still an awkward air as the group trained again for the first time.
For new boss Enzo Maresca, that will have been expected and it could have been a far worse reunion.
The Italian has made a concerted effort to keep spirits high.
After arriving in Atlanta on Saturday night following their 4-1 friendly defeat by Celtic in Ohio, the squad were treated to a sushi night in Buckhead — the area of the city where their plush hotel is based.
Wandering around St Regis — where rooms start at $659, or £515, per night — there remains a happy families vibe, nothing to see here.
The manager and players are moving on and the club have wound up an internal probe, with Fernandez’s donation to an anti-discrimination charity effectively seen as a fine.
Yet Fifa chiefs are still investigating the video of the racist chant — which could eventually lead to an FA ban — as well as considering a legal complaint from the French Football Association.
This is not something that will be so easily swept under the carpet.
Maresca was tossed a grenade a few weeks into the job by their £106million midfield man’s behaviour.
Fernandez posted a video of him and his Argentina team-mates singing a vile song about the French team following Copa America glory. – Sun
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter