Enzo Fernandez has been found guilty of breaking traffic laws and reports indicate that the midfielder could be set for a ban.
Fernandez was found culpable of failing to identify himself as the driver of a Porsche Cayenne that allegedly ran a red light in Carmarthenshire, a county in the south-west of Wales, when asked to by Dyfed-Powys Police on December 27, 2023, amid his ongoing issue regarding racism.
Enzo Fernandez Guilty Of Traffic Offence
Based on court documents, the 23-year-old was found guilty despite not being present at a hearing at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Reports indicate that two other charges, namely; driving a car on a road without third-party insurance and failing to stop at a red light in Church Street, Llanelli – were withdrawn.
Enzo Fernandez has also ordered to be present at the sentencing hearing in Llanelli on September 11, 2024, which will determine whether he is banned from driving.
Court documents indicate that his attendance is needed “to consider if there are mitigating circumstances (including exceptional hardship) for not ordering disqualification.”
The Chelsea man is not the only Premier League star to have been found guilty of a driving offence this week.
Marcus Rashford Banned From Driving
Manchester United’s attacker Marcus Rashford was found guilty of overspeeding in his Rolls Royce and was handed a six-month driving ban for his actions.
Enzo Fernandez And Racism
Enzo Fernandez is currently embroiled in issues surrounding racism, having been central to chants made by players of Argentina following their 2024 Copa America triumph.
Fernandez made a live video in the team bus of La Albiceleste, with the midfielder alongside other players of the 2022 FIFA World Cup champions seen singing racial and discriminatory chants against players of France.
They were said to have been chanting the words which read: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says, French.”
The viral footage has resulted in massive condemnation from the fans, with some of Enzo Fernandez’s colleagues also displeased by his actions.
Argentina Deputy Sports Minister Fired For Requesting An Apology From Lionel Messi Over Racist Chants
Now erstwhile deputy sports minister of Argentina, Julio Garro, gave his thoughts on the matter, expressing that Argentina captain Lionel Messi should apologize for his teammates’ errors.
However, Garro was subsequently dismissed from his position, with the political heads in Argentina understood to be behind their 2024 Copa America contingent, who were caught on camera making those chants.
Chelsea are understood to be investigating the incident and it will also be fascinating to see the punishment that could be meted out by FIFA to players of Argentina.
Enzo Fernandez At Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez has failed to live up to the hype at Chelsea following his move to the club in January 2023 from Benfica for a fee of €121 million.
Internationally, Fernandez has enjoyed success in recent years, however, at Stamford Bridge, the Blues remain plunged in instability.
Enzo Fernandez joined the Lisbon side in the summer of 2022 from Argentinian club River Plate for €44.25 million and played just 29 matches before moving to Chelsea.
Fernandez has made 62 appearances for the Blues, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists in all competitions.
Achievements
The midfielder has won some major trophies in his career, including; 1 Copa America and 1 FIFA World Cup.
Enzo Fernandez’s Market Value And Salary
Enzo Fernandez’s market value is €75 million and he earns about €214, 000 per week at Chelsea.
Fernandez’s Position
Fernandez functions primarily as a central midfielder, but he can also be utilized in the defensive midfield and attacking midfield position.
