“I have got no bad words to say about him but a line was crossed in terms of our culture and what we want to build. As a character, a person and a player, I have the utmost respect. He’s frustrated because he wants us to be successful.
“In terms of the decision, it’s not all about me, or the sporting directors. The ownership, the players, we are aligned in our decision.
“The door is not closed on Enzo. It’s a sanction. You have to protect the culture, and in terms of that, a line was crossed.”
However, the issue appears far from settled, with Fernandez’s agent Javier Pastore saying the Argentina international does not understand the decision.
“The punishment is completely unfair,” Pastore told the Athletic.
“Banning the player for two matches, which moreover are also absolutely crucial for Chelsea because qualification for the Champions League is at stake and he is one of the team’s most important players.
“He has proven himself this year to be a leader and a key player, the backbone of this Chelsea side. I think it’s far too harsh given Chelsea‘s current situation, and there’s no real reason or justification for why he has been banned.
“Enzo didn’t understand the situation. When the coach told him, he accepted it because he’s a highly professional guy who’s always fully committed wherever he is and respects decisions, but we don’t understand the punishment because he doesn’t mention any club or say he wants to leave Chelsea, far from it.”