Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez is on the centre of a racism storm after he posted footage of him and his nationwide staff teammates singing an alleged racially offensive tune following their Copa America victory on Sunday.
Fernandez’s membership teammate Wesley Fofana has hit out the video and the French Soccer Federation have confirmed they’ll make a authorized grievance.
Chelsea have additionally confirmed that they’ve begun an inner disciplinary process in opposition to the 23-year-old. Here’s a additional have a look at the controversy and what has been stated by the assorted events concerned.
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What did Enzo Fernandez submit?
Following Argentina’s Copa America victory on Sunday night, Fernandez posted a stay Instagram video that appeared to point out him and his worldwide teammates singing a derogatory tune in regards to the French staff throughout their celebrations.
The vile chant comprises racist and transphobic lyrics, showing to suggest that French gamers of African and Caribbean heritage will not be true French nationals and together with a line on ‘sleeping with trans folks.’
The footage was rapidly distributed throughout social media and was the topic of widespread condemnation.
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What was the response of the French staff and Fernandez’ Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana?
Fernandez’s Stamford Bridge teammate Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, was fast to sentence the mantra, posting a clip of the video together with the caption: “Soccer in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
Fofana and his French Chelsea teammates Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi additionally seem the have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
The French Soccer Federation additionally issued an announcement, confirming they’ll file a authorized grievance, as they alleged the video contained ‘racially offensive and discriminatory remarks’.
Le soccer en 2024 : racisme décomplexé 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/MGkH5wPmNUJuly 16, 2024
The full statement learn: “The president of the French Soccer Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns within the strongest phrases the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which have been made in opposition to the gamers of the French staff within the context of a tune sung by gamers and supporters of the Argentina staff after its victory within the Copa América and broadcast in a video on social media.
“Confronted with the seriousness of those surprising remarks, opposite to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF determined to immediately problem his Argentinian counterpart and Fifa, and to file a authorized grievance for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
What has Enzo Fernandez stated?
Fernandez issued an apology on social media on Tuesday.
“I need to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel in the course of the nationwide staff celebrations,” he posted. “The tune contains extremely offensive language and there’s completely no excuse for these phrases.
“I stand in opposition to discrimination in all varieties and apologise for getting caught up within the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that second, these phrases, don’t replicate my beliefs or my character. I’m actually sorry.”
What have Chelsea stated?
Chelsea issued a statement on Wednesday morning, confirming that they’ll have begun an ‘inner disciplinary process’.
Chelsea Soccer Membership finds all types of discriminatory behaviour utterly unacceptable. We’re proud to be a various, inclusive membership the place folks from all cultures, communities and identities really feel welcome.
We acknowledge and recognize our participant’s public apology and can use this as a chance to coach.
The Membership has instigated an inner disciplinary process.
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