Backlash is growing against Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez after he filmed himself and many of his Argentina teammates singing a “racist” chant during celebrations following their Copa America victory.
Fernandez could be heard singing the controversial song which apparently talks about how French players are “from Angola” or have a “Nigerian” mother and a “Cameroonian” father.
Chelsea have issued a statement in response to the video posted by their midfielder, denouncing “all forms” of discriminatory behaviour.
“Chelsea Football Club considers any form of discriminatory behaviour to be absolutely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome,” the club’s statement began.
‘We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.
Enzo Fernández filmed a video of the Argentine national team singing a racist chant about France
The video was recorded after Argentina beat Colombia on Sunday to win the Copa America.
‘The Club has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure.’
His response came several hours after Fernandez himself issued an apology that read: ‘I want to apologize for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
‘The song contains extremely offensive language and there is no excuse for such words. I oppose discrimination in all its forms and I apologise for having been carried away by the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moment, those words do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am so sorry.”
Shortly after the video was posted, Fernandez was accused of “uninhibited racism” by his French international teammate Wesley Fofana, and several other Blues players unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
Chelsea have a number of French players in their squad, including Fofana, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.
Fofana, Disasi and Gusto unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
Mail Sport previously reported that sources close to the players have revealed that Chelsea’s French contingent are furious with Fernandez.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana (centre), who also plays for France, expressed his disgust at the video. He is one of three Blues players who unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram
Fans have also expressed their discontent, with many calling for the midfielder to be sold this summer.
Anger towards Fernandez, who moved to Stamford Bridge for a British record £107million in January 2023, was also shared by many Blues fans, with many calling for him to be sold this summer.
“I want Enzo Fernandez out of my club and I’m not joking,” wrote one Blues fan on X. Another commented: “Chelsea should terminate his contract otherwise I won’t watch his game again.”
One Chelsea fan demanded Fernandez “leave Chelsea please”, while another said: “He doesn’t deserve to play for Chelsea.”
Fernandez has eight years remaining on his £180,000-a-week contract, which runs until 2032.
The controversial song first emerged around the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties in Qatar.
The game was already rife with Kylian Mbappe being the target of heavy jeers from Emiliano Martinez, despite the French striker scoring a hat-trick and a penalty in the shoot-out.
Chelsea sources say they are taking the matter seriously and will proceed accordingly.
Fernandez issued a belated apology on Tuesday night, saying he was “against discrimination in all its forms.”
There were others who claimed the 23-year-old no longer deserves to play for the Blues.
French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo called the images “racist and discriminatory” and vowed to take legal action by filing a complaint with FIFA.
“Given the seriousness of these shocking statements, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and file a legal complaint for insulting comments of a racial and discriminatory nature,” the FFF added.
