Chelsea have released a club statement in response to a video on Instagram showing midfielder Enzo Fernandez and his Argentina team-mates chanting a racist song about the African ancestry of French players.
The midfielder went live on Instagram in the Argentina team bus following their Copa America success, and it didn’t take long for the video to go viral on social media for all the wrong reasons.
Chelsea have a number of French players in the squad and Wesley Fofana was the first to call out his team-mate as he posted a clip of the video to his social media with the words “Football in 2024: Uninhibited racism.”
Chelsea release club statement
It was reported on Tuesday evening that Chelsea were investigating the situation and on Wednesday morning the club released an official statement on their website which read:
“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.
“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 himself took to social media late on Tuesday evening to apologise for his behaviour, which has clearly offended a number of his team-mates, and is the first step in repairing the damage caused.
🚨 BREAKING: Enzo Fernandez apologises.#CFC pic.twitter.com/B3Ut4K3yMZ
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) July 16, 2024
This is the last thing Chelsea need ahead of the new season, and thankfully Fernandez issued an apology and the club have taken quick action over the situation.
The club will be hoping that the situation won’t have caused a rift in what seems to be the most united Chelsea dressing room in a number of years.
Fernandez is currently on a break after his Copa America exploits with Argentina, and will most likely link up with his team-mates during the pre-season tour, with Chelsea’s first game taking place against Wrexham next week.
