Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez Apologizes for Racist Chant Directed at French Players
In a shocking turn of events, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has issued a statement apologizing for his involvement in a racist chant directed at French players during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations. The chant, which singles out French players with family connections across several African nations, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
The video, which surfaced on Fernandez’s Instagram, shows him and his teammates singing the chant on the team bus. The lyrics, which include the line "They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French," are undoubtedly offensive and unacceptable.
Fernandez’s apology, posted on Twitter, reads: "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."
Fernandez’s apology comes after his teammate, Wesley Fofana, condemned the chant, saying: "Le football en 2024 : racisme decomplexe," which translates to: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism." All of Chelsea’s French players, including Fofana, Axel Disassi, Benoit Badiashille, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, and Malang Sarr, have unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
The France Football Federation has also condemned the chant, saying: "The FFF condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable and discriminatory remarks that were made against the players of the French team." The federation has announced that it will file a complaint to FIFA for the "racially offensive and discriminatory remarks."
The chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup, when La Albiceleste fans were heard singing it ahead of the final between Argentina and France in Qatar. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues with racism in football and the importance of tackling the problem head-on.
As the football world continues to grapple with this unacceptable behavior, it’s essential that we all stand together against racism and discrimination. We must create a culture of inclusivity and respect, where every player, regardless of their background or nationality, feels valued and welcome.
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