Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea, Argentina player ‘truly sorry’ for posting 'racially offensive' video after Copa America win
Published 17/07/2024 at 10:27 GMT+1
Enzo Fernandez says he is "truly sorry" for posting a video that appeared to show his Argentina team-mates celebrating their Copa America win by singing a "racially offensive and discriminatory" chant. It comes after his Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana described the video as "uninhibited racism". Chelsea have launched an investigation into the incident, while the FFF has threatened legal action.
Argentina fans celebrate in viewing parties across Buenos Aires after Copa America victory
Video credit: SNTV
Enzo Fernandez has apologised after posting a video on social media that his Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana described as “uninhibited racism”.
Following Argentina’s victory over Colombia in the Copa America final, Fernandez live-streamed himself and his team-mates celebrating on their team bus, leading to a video recording emerging that appeared to show the players singing a “racially offensive and discriminatory” chant.
In the video, Fernandez and his team-mates appear to be using racist and homophobic slurs, including against France captain Kylian Mbappe, with the chant dating back to the 2022 World Cup final when Argentina beat France on penalties.
Fofana, who has one cap for France, shared Fernandez’s video on his own social media with the caption: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
He and several other Chelsea players, including French team-mates Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, have reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram following the incident.
Chelsea have launched an investigation into the video, while the French Football Federation (FFF) said it would take legal action against Argentina.
The FFF said in a statement that president Philippe Diallo “condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable and discriminatory remarks that were made against the players of the French team”.
"Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly appeal to his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks," the statement added.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Fernandez said he was “truly sorry” for posting the video.
"The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," he wrote in an Instagram story.
"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
"That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character."
Chelsea said the club have launched an "internal disciplinary procedure" into Fernandez’s actions.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome," the club said in a statement.
“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.
“The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica during the January transfer window in 2023. The video storm, which involves several Chelsea players, will be the first major challenge facing new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
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