Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana has hit out after Enzo Fernandez allegedly sang a racist and homophobic chant directed at France players.
Following Argentina’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the Copa America final, Fernandez, 23, appeared to show him and his teammates chanting a derogatory song about the French team as they celebrated. In an Instagram live video, Fernandez was seen signing the chant while waving his phone to other members of the squad.
Chelsea’s French defender Wesley Fofana reacted to the video with a message on social media that said: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.” He was then one of several players, including Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi, to unfollow Fernandez on social media.
A matter of hours later, Fernandez then took to Instagram to issue a public apology. “The song includes highly-offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” he said. 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.”
Chelsea then posted a club statement in response to the song on Wednesday morning. It 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 Telegraph reported around midday on Wednesday that Fernandez has now apologised to his Chelsea teammates over the video that circulated over social media. It came after Nicolas Jackson appeared to show support for Fernandez with a series of Instagram stories.
Despite this, Ivory Coast international Fofana has taken to social media to deliver his side of the story and his verdict. In an Instagram story, he said: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic. Racism in all it’s forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.” “These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone in this sport.”
