Enzo Fernandez has created a major dressing room dilemma for Enzo Maresca, the new Chelsea manager.
Fernandez has apologized to his Blues teammates for the video in which he and the Argentina team are seen singing a song that contains derogatory remarks about France players that are both racist and homophobic. However, it’s known that it hasn’t eased what some stars have called “a gross unhappiness” among them; they have been openly expressing their displeasure with their absent team-mate.
When Fernandez first issued an apology on social media for his actions, several Chelsea players were incensed and outraged. “I want to sincerely apologize,” he said. There is no justification for the extremely unpleasant language used in the song.
“I apologize for getting sucked into the excitement of our Copa America celebrations and I stand against discrimination in all its manifestations. My views and my character are not reflected in that video, in that time, or in those words. I sincerely apologize.”
Wesley Fofana, the recipient of two senior France caps, expressed his opinions on social media in response to the film, writing, “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, and other French celebrities have all unfollowed their teammate on social media.
Following Fernandez’s apology, David Datro Fofana—who rejoined the team this summer following a loan spell at Burnley—seemed to take issue with the video in an Instagram post.
“I like multiethnic football,” he declared. Racism ought to be strongly denounced in all of its manifestations. These behaviors have no place in football or any other sport, really. Everyone in this sport really needs to take this struggle seriously.
The Chelsea football club declared in response to Fernandez’s acts that it “finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable.” We take great pride in being an inclusive, diverse club that welcomes members of all groups, identities, and cultures.
“We value and accept our player’s public apologies, and we will take this as a teaching moment. A system of internal discipline has been initiated by the club.”
However, it will be a significant test of Maresca’s management as well as the leadership of the team. As was to be expected, the club’s French delegation, which also includes Benoit Badisahile, is leading the outrage over Fernandez’s actions. After assisting Argentina in winning the Copa America, Fernandez is now scheduled to go on vacation and isn’t expected to return to the training ground until the end of the month.
After Fernandez apologized, Nicolas Jackson, a striker for Chelsea, first showed his support for the £107 million midfield player by sharing a photo of himself with Marc Cucurella, an Argentine, and a video of Fernandez with a small fan on social media. But by the afternoon, Jackson had taken down his post in the face of criticism on social media and inquiries from teammates.
According to a person close to Jackson, Nicholas didn’t intend to stir up controversy. It was a thoughtful and sincere expression of support for a teammate.
In the video, which Fernandez captured on the team bus, players can be heard starting a chant that contains derogatory remarks about race and sexual orientation, including one directed at Kylian Mbappe.
It originates from the 2022 World Cup final, in which France was defeated by the Albiceleste on penalties, and perpetuates the myth that French players are “all from Angola” or that their parents are “Cameroonian” and “Nigerian,” respectively. Moreover, it leveled outrageous charges on Mbappe’s sexuality. Players can be heard singing a portion of the song in clips that end before the recording ends.
In addition to a statement from the anti-discrimination organization Kick it Our, the French FA has threatened to take legal action.
In the video, which Fernandez captured on the team bus, players can be heard starting a chant that contains derogatory remarks about race and sexual orientation, including one directed at Kylian Mbappe.
It originates from the 2022 World Cup final, in which France was defeated by the Albiceleste on penalties, and perpetuates the myth that French players are “all from Angola” or that their parents are “Cameroonian” and “Nigerian,” respectively. Moreover, it leveled outrageous charges on Mbappe’s sexuality. Players can be heard singing a portion of the song in clips that end before the recording ends.
In addition to a statement from the anti-discrimination organization Kick it Our, the French FA has threatened to take legal action.
“The video of the Argentina team singing a discriminatory chant is unacceptable and clearly needs to stop,” it starts. “Wesley Fofana has our complete support and solidarity after he publicly addressed the issue and brought it to the notice of a larger audience.
“Enzo Fernandez has apologized, and Chelsea has stated that it will look into the issue; nevertheless, many players have been spotted singing the song, so the impact on other teams’ teammates and supporters will likely be worse. We demand that the Argentina Federation, Fifa, and all involved clubs handle this troubling matter with compassion, understanding, and care.