Fernandez was at the centre of a racism storm after posting a video that appeared to show Argentina players chanting a racist song as they celebrated their Copa America triumph in July. The midfielder was investigated by FIFA and the matter appeared to threaten to derail the start to Chelsea's season, with Fofana and forward David Datro Fofana both condemning Fernandez and his compatriots.

Centre-back Fofana described the video as "uninhibited racism", but he quickly forgave Fernandez. The midfielder was swiftly integrated back into the squad upon his return from international duty and the Blues even decided to make him their club captain, a move that received plenty of backlash.

Fofana has now revealed how the matter was dealt with, saying that a meeting was held in which it was explained to Fernandez how his actions were hurtful.

"It was sorted out in a very good way," Fofana told Free FOOT. "He came back, and we had a discussion with the club, with the manager; we had a meeting. We explained why we took it badly because it was important for him to understand why it wasn't a good thing for him to do and why we took it badly. We explained it to him. We understood in his speech that he didn't understand that it could have hurt us. He didn't understand that it was something serious.

"The best thing to do is to educate him to make him understand that certain things, in certain countries, that are perhaps acceptable in that country but that in others it is very serious and that it is punishable by the law. I think he understood and now we move forward. We are a team and he is a great player. He is an example so I hope that he will be an example in the right way for everybody."

Fofana upset Chelsea supporters in the Free FOOT interview, with some even demanding he be sold, after he revealed he considered an approach to join Marseille in the summer.

Chelsea have clearly put the matter behind them. Enzo Maresca's side will look to find some form following an inconsistent start to the campaign when they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday.