After a recent controversy, Enzo Fernandez is back with the Chelsea squad in the United States.
This comes two weeks after the £106.8 million midfielder found himself at the center of a storm over a video he posted on Instagram during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations. The video, which included offensive lyrics, sparked accusations of racism.
Fernandez arrived in Atlanta on Monday and immediately addressed his teammates in person, apologizing for his actions.
He had been in constant communication with them, both publicly and privately, expressing his regret for participating in the offensive song alongside other Argentinian national team members.
To demonstrate his remorse, Fernandez offered to donate to an anti-discrimination charity, a gesture that was well-received by the club’s management. Chelsea has also committed to matching his donation through the Chelsea Foundation.
Team Response and Leadership
This incident presented an early test for new head coach Enzo Maresca, with team leaders like captain Reece James and defender Axel Disasi playing key roles in guiding the team’s response.
Disasi, one of six French players on the tour alongside Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Christopher Nkunku, was actively involved in discussions with Fernandez and the rest of the squad.
The Incident and Its Fallout
Chelsea had been investigating the incident internally, preparing for Fernandez’s potentially awkward return. The video, which featured chants describing French players with derogatory racial stereotypes, provoked widespread outrage.
Wesley Fofana, in particular, took to social media to condemn the video, labeling it “uninhibited racism.”
The French Football Federation also expressed their dismay, calling the remarks “contrary to the values of sport and human rights” and filing a legal complaint against the offensive content.
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