BLOG: A look at Kennedy’s issue with china

It all comes to limelight during the Chelsea and arsenal match in the international friendly in china last week, when a large section of the fans at the stands started booing a particular player on the pitch. The booing was massive and the international viewing world can only watching on without an idea of what was wrong.
A clearer picture begin to emerge when Chelsea officially apologize and sent the player home.
In their statement which read in part… “On 22 July, Chelsea football club experienced the warmth and friendliness of Chinese fans at the National Stadium, However, we were surprised and disappointed that one day prior to the match, one of our young players, Kennedy, posted messages on his social media account that caused great offence and hurt the feelings of the people of China. Unfortunately, even though he quickly deleted the messages and apologized, and the club also apologized via our Chinese social media channels, the damage had already been done. Chelsea football club once again solemnly and sincerely apologies’’
**THE OFFENCE **
The 21 year old midfield was so naïve and unprofessional on the social media to have two provoking post on the snapchat targeted at the nation. The first post was an image of a policeman sleeping on the duty while fully dress in uniform. The video was posted with accompanying comment that says: ‘Acorda china vacilao’ with three smiling face. The comment which was made in Portuguese has been has been literally translated to mean: ‘Wake up China vacillation’. The second post was even more damaging. The post has the player face on with the comment ‘porra china’ which has been translated to mean ‘Fucking china’. Seeing these two post leaves no one in doubt of the fact that such misdeed can only be accompany by such intense booing from the Chinese fans.
HIS APOLOGY
A quick damage control was embark on by the team and the player by publicly apologizing to the fans and the general public. The player`s apology reads in part: "I would like to apologize to the people of China for the offense I have caused," he said. The Brazilian player reiterated that he had tremendous respect and admiration for the people of China and this Asian country. “I would also like to apologize to my club Chelsea and all my companions who I have let down by my posts," Kennedy added. His apology is still not without a pinch of salt on Chinese fans.
IMPLICATION FOR HIM ON THE TEAM
As much as one will like to look at his misdeed on the trip as one that will pass with time. we cannot but look at his relevance to the team and also brings to the forefront the personality of his coach. The fact that he is not a starter for the team may not put much pressure on him and the team for further punishment as it is believed that been not a regular starter for the team is most likely not put him in the eyes of the public for scrutiny when the league kicks off. Any absence from the starting line up by a fringe player like Kennedy would rather not be seen as a big deal and would not attract any fuss, thereby leaving him to enjoy his life in the shadow of the regular players in the team.
IMPLICATION FOR CHELSEA
It would rather be premature for anybody to state categorically what this incident potent for Chelsea in the nearest foreseeable future. Haven’t said, one can still not shy away from the fact that the offence was against the whole nation and it is perceived as a xenophobia attack on the Chinese people, and in turn can make the supporter base and popularity of team dwindle in the country.On the part of the organizer of the competition, a serious consideration will be placed on the popularity of the team among the populace for future invitation.
YOUR OPINION
In conclusion, the player’s deed is rather a condemned able one. Been a 21years old is enough for him to come to full understanding of the power and effect of the social media, talk less been a player at such a huge club like Chelsea. Football star players and their excess on the social media platform is worth looking into at all levels of the game. What do you guys think about the whole thing. Let hear your opinion.