Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has issued a public apology after a video surfaced showing him and his Argentina teammates singing a song with racist and homophobic insults directed at the French national team. The incident occurred during the celebrations following Argentina's Copa América victory against Colombia.
In his apology, Fernández stated, 'I want to sincerely apologize for a video posted on my Instagram profile during the national team celebrations. The song contains highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I am against discrimination in all its forms and I apologize for getting carried away by the euphoria of our Copa América celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.'
Chelsea has responded to the incident by launching an internal disciplinary procedure, emphasizing that any form of discriminatory behavior is 'completely unacceptable.' The French Football Federation (FFF) has also condemned the actions and announced plans to file a legal complaint, calling the chant contrary 'to the values of sport and human rights.'
The video, initially posted by Fernández, showed several Argentine players singing a song that included racist remarks about French players of African descent, including superstar Kylian Mbappé. The chant implied that these players, despite representing France, are not truly French.
French defender Wesley Fofana, a teammate of Fernández at Chelsea, shared the video on his social media with the caption 'Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.' This has led to a significant backlash, with other French players like Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto also unfollowing Fernández on social media.
The FFF President, Philippe Diallo, has called the incident 'unacceptable' and 'shocking,' urging FIFA to take action. French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra also condemned the behavior, describing it as 'pathetic' and calling for a clear response from FIFA.
This is not the first time Argentine fans have been involved in such incidents. Similar racist chants were heard before the World Cup final in Qatar two years ago. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had then promised a zero-tolerance policy towards racism, but the current incident highlights the ongoing issue.
The repercussions for Fernández and the Argentine players could be severe, with the French Football Association demanding harsh penalties and a clear statement from FIFA. The incident underscores the need for consistent efforts to combat racism in football and society at large.
- The video in question was recorded during the team's bus ride from the Hard Rock Stadium to their hotel. The song, which included derogatory remarks about the heritage of French players, was halted by Fernández, but not before it had been broadcast live.
- The incident has created unrest within the Chelsea locker room, with several French players distancing themselves from Fernández. The club is reportedly considering sanctions against the midfielder.
- The French Football Federation plans to present the video fragment to FIFA and communicate with the Argentine Football Association, reserving the possibility of initiating further actions.
