Jose Mourinho forced to intervene as Chelsea captain Enzo Fernandez targeted

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been forced to intervene after Benfica fans targeted Enzo Fernandez at Stamford Bridge.

Leading 1-0 after Alejandro Garnacho’s cross was turned in by Benfica defender Richard Rios, the Blues were looking to make their pressure count with a corner in front of the travelling supporters. Fernandez took charge of the situation and jogged towards the Portuguese fans.

The midfielder used to play for Benfica before joining Chelsea and applauded his former supporters before attempting to take the corner. However, as he turned his back on them and lined up the corner, a number of objects were thrown on the pitch towards Fernandez.

After pleading with the referee, Fernandez managed to get the game briefly paused as Mourinho jogged down the touchline to urge the Benfica fans to stop. Following their manager’s intervention, order seemed to be restored and Fernandez was able to take the corner and the game continued.

Chelsea signed the Argentine midfielder in January 2023 after he impressed at the World Cup in Qatar. Fernandez arrived for a £107m transfer fee but the signing was shrouded in controversy.

It is understood that Benfica were left furious with the behaviour of Chelsea during the negotiations for Fernandez. Todd Boehly is thought to have personally targeted the midfielder after watching him in action for Argentina.

But, the Blues were claimed to have withdrawn a verbal agreement with the Portuguese giants at the beginning of the January window. This resulted in Fernandez being sold later and thus left Benfica at a disadvantage.

After Chelsea took the lead on Tuesday night and prior to the incident, Fernandez celebrated with Garnacho in front of the Benfica fans. However, those celebrations were mooted in their nature.