Chelsea players are said to be filled with anger towards Enzo Fernandez and his Argentina national team-mates after they were filmed singing a ‘racist’ song about the France national team following their 2024 Copa America victory.
The footage, which surfaced shortly after Argentina’s win over Colombia, showed Fernandez and others singing a discriminatory song that made derogatory remarks about the heritage of the French players, including Kylian Mbappe.
The song referenced the French players’ African ancestry, implying that they were not truly French due to their heritage.
Fernandez reportedly filmed the incident on his phone and streamed it on Instagram Live before receiving backlash on social media.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Chelsea’s players, particularly those of French descent, are furious about the chants and have expressed their outrage internally within the squad.
The incident has caused tension within the Chelsea team, as they stand in solidarity against the racist remarks made by Fernandez and his Argentina teammates.
Wesley Fofana and two other Chelsea players unfollow Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana shared a video on Instagram of club-mate Fernandez singing on the bus and commented on the chant, calling it “Unabashed racism” in the modern world of football in 2024.
Meanwhile, it has since been reported that Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Malo Gusto have unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
Meanwhile, the trio are not the only French players at Chelsea. Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku, and Malang Sarr are other French stars at the Stamford Bridge-based club.
Chelsea and France forward Christopher Nkunku retweeted Fofana’s post on X and wrote: “God bless them”.
French Football Federation condemns the racial rants
The French Football Federation has announced its intention to pursue legal action against the “racially and discriminatory abusive remarks” made by Argentina players.
Subsequently, FFF president Philippe Diallo, in a press statement, strongly condemned the actions of the players and urged FIFA and the Argentine Football Association to address the issue.
The FFF condemned the chant and added: ‘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 challenge his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racial and discriminatory nature.’
Enzo Fernandez apologizes for his unruly behaviour
Enzo Fernandez issued a heartfelt apology for singing a racist song during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations.
The 23-year-old Chelsea star expressed regret for his actions, stating that the offensive words in the song do not align with his values.
In a statement on his Instagram account, Fernandez said, “I sincerely apologize for the video shared during the national team’s festivities, which contained harmful language.
“I stand firmly against discrimination and acknowledge that there is no justification for using such language. I got carried away in the excitement of the moment and deeply regretted it. Those words are not a reflection of who I am or what I believe in. I am truly sorry.”
What’s next for Enzo Fernandez?
The tumultuous Chelsea midfielder Fernandez is gearing up to make a return to the Premier League side, Chelsea, for pre-season.
The big question on everyone’s mind is how he will be welcomed back by the Blues and what actions FIFA or the Argentinian Football Association will take in response to the French Football Federation’s plea.
Chelsea set to implement internal disciplinary action against Enzo
In response to the derogatory song about French players by Argentina, Chelsea have strongly denounced any form of discriminatory behavior.
The Club statement read: “We, at Chelsea Football Club, express our firm stance against all types of discriminatory behavior.”
“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”
Consequently, Chelsea added that an internal disciplinary action will follow Enzo’s unacceptable behavior.
The club added: “We have instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
