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Kenedy is sorry for offensive China posts but Chelsea had to send him home, insists Antonio Conte

Getty Images for ICC
Getty Images for ICC

Antonio Conte has admitted Chelsea had to send Kenedy home from their pre-season tour after he posted offensive messages about China on social media.

Kenedy left the club's base in Singapore earlier on Tuesday and his future at the club is now in major doubt.

The Brazilian wrote derogatory messages on his Instagram account while Chelsea were in Beijing, the day before they faced Arsenal at the Bird's Nest Stadium.

Even though he and the club apologised, there is still a lot of outrage, with the Football Association now asking for comments from Kenedy, in China and Conte said the Blues had to act.

They had already fined him heavily, but now he is heading back to the capital away from the rest of the squad.

Conte said: "Unfortunately, it happened this situation, because we all know it is a pity. The player was sorry about this situation. It is a difficult situation, also for the club.

"For this reason we make this decision for the player. The player understood his mistake, he is sorry for what happened. Now he must go home."

Conte was speaking after Chelsea were beaten 3-2 by Bayern Munich at the National Stadium.

(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

The Blues were completely outplayed in the first half hour and were 3-0 down courtesy of goals from Rafinha and a brace from Thomas Muller.

Chelsea managed to salvage some pride though with strikes from Marcos Alonso and Michy Batshuayi, his fifth of pre-season.

Conte was pleased with the way his players fought back and added: "For sure three goals in only half hour, it is not simple, it is a difficult situation.

"But despite this I think that the players' dedication was very good, because we didn't give up and the commitment was always top and we tried to fight, despite hard work in these days.

"Our start wasn't good, but the dedication (was) and the players tried to show me a great will to change the result and we are during the pre-season. We are working very hard, Bayern are a top, top club. I don't just discover this.

"I think Bayern are one of the top clubs in the world. They have regularly won the league in their country.

"But I think we must take the positives from this game and to continue to work, to improve."