First Chelsea player responds to Enzo Fernandez posting video of Argentina players singing ‘r@cist chant
Film Resurfaces at Cobham: Chelsea Player’s Response to Enzo Fernandez’s Controversial Video
The atmosphere at Cobham has taken a tense turn with the resurfacing of a controversial video. Chelsea player Enzo Fernandez filmed his Argentinean teammates chanting a racially insensitive song, which has now sparked a significant backlash.
The chant in question, aimed at the French national team, contains offensive and prejudiced remarks: “Their parents are from Angola, although they play for France. Their father is from Nigeria; their mother from Cameroon. But their passport indicates French.” This offensive song was captured on an Instagram live video, which Fernandez continued to film until he was advised to stop.
The French Football Federation has responded to the video by lodging a formal complaint and issuing a statement condemning the chant. They have emphasized the need to combat such discriminatory behavior in football.
Among the Chelsea players, Wesley Fofana has been the first to publicly address the issue. Fofana, who is of French nationality, took to social media to express his disapproval. He posted a video of Fernandez participating in the chant, accompanied by three facepalming emojis and the caption, “Football in 2024: unbridled bigotry.” This pointed criticism highlights the gravity of the situation within the team.
In addition to Fofana, other French-speaking Chelsea players, such as Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram, indicating their disapproval. Chelsea’s roster includes several French players like Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku, and Malang Sarr, underscoring the broader impact of this incident within the team.
As the team begins its pre-season preparations for the 2024/25 campaign under new manager Enzo Maresca, this controversy poses a significant challenge. Maresca, who took over managerial duties recently, must now navigate this delicate situation to maintain team unity and morale.
Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea in January 2023, in a high-profile transfer worth £106.8 million. Since his arrival, he has made 63 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his talent and contributing to the team’s efforts. However, this recent incident has cast a shadow over his tenure.
Wesley Fofana, who joined Chelsea from Leicester City for an initial fee of £70 million, has also faced challenges. A severe ACL injury sidelined him for the entire 2023/24 season, limiting his appearances to just 20 games in all competitions for the club.
As Chelsea moves forward, the management and players will need to address the fallout from this incident and work towards rebuilding trust and cohesion within the squad. The club’s response to this controversy will be crucial in setting the tone for the upcoming season and beyond.
