Chelsea Take Action Following Enzo Fernandez’s Offensive Chant Video
Chelsea have initiated an internal disciplinary procedure following the circulation of a video showing midfielder Enzo Fernandez and his Argentina team-mates singing an offensive song about France. The club has issued a strong statement condemning all forms of discriminatory behavior.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable,” the club stated. “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.”
The song, which was sung after Argentina’s Copa America victory, has faced backlash for containing lyrics deemed racist and transphobic.
Fernandez issued an apology for his actions: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. 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. I am truly sorry.”
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana criticized the video, posting it with the caption: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.” Fellow French Chelsea players Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi have reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
The French Football Federation (FFF) also issued a statement condemning the remarks and announced plans to file a legal complaint. “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media,” the statement read. “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.”
Chelsea fans have expressed their reactions on social media, with many hoping for a thorough and principled internal procedure. “Hope this internal procedure is principled and robust,” wrote one supporter. Another added, “Heart is heavy with all this. Hope Enzo is truly apologetic and that the French boys can forgive him.”
Fernandez has not yet returned to club duty following his international responsibilities with Argentina.
Chelsea’s squad members are currently in pre-season training ahead of their tour of the United States, with their first pre-season game scheduled for July 2024 against Wrexham and four more fixtures to follow before a friendly against Inter Milan on August 11.
Chelsea Take Action Following Enzo Fernandez’s Offensive Chant Video
