Chelsea release statement after Enzo Fernandez video sparked racism storm as club open investigation following outrage
CHELSEA have released a statement over Enzo Fernandez’s “racist” video.
The midfielder is in hot water after live-streaming himself and Argentina teammates singing a vile song about the French national team.
He has since issued a grovelling apology after a backlash from teammates.
And Chelsea have now broken their silence while revealing they’ve opened an investigation into Fernandez’s antics.
A statement read: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.
“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 sick footage emerged after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win successive Copa America trophies.
The video showed Argentina players singing a racist song about the France team following their victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.
Appearing on live TV, some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola.”
And they also targeted Kylian Mbappe with a transphobic chant amid reports surrounding his dating life.
In the latest video, Chelsea star Fernandez and team-mates could be heard to sign the part about Angola.
Fernandez filmed the footage on his phone via Instagram live, with the midfielder showing celebrations on the team bus.
And seconds after the vile chant began, he switched the recording off.
The song has reportedly angered Chelsea’s large French contingent, which includes Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi.
Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu and Malang Sarr also hail from across the Channel.
And defender Wesley Fofana blasted Fernandez in a social media post on Tuesday night.
He said: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
Fernandez has since issued an apology, saying: “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.”
However, French FA chiefs are threatening legal action against Argentina over the incident.
A statement read: “Given the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to contact its Argentinian counterpart and Fifa directly to file a legal complaint for racist and discriminatory remarks.”
