Enzo Fernandez Issues Apology for ‘Highly Offensive’ Chant About France

Published by GOAL

Published by GOAL

Published by GOAL

• Argentina travelling on team bus after Copa America
• Enzo Fernandez involved in racist song about France
• Has apologised after backlash from own team-mates

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentina midfielder went live on Instagram while travelling in the aftermath of their Copa America triumph against Colombia. Fernandez was one of several culprits signing about their rivalry with France, but translations showed the song was questioning their heritage and suggesting their passports and families were all from Africa. The 23-year-old has since made a statement apologising for his actions, saying the words do not reflect his beliefs.

WHAT FERNANDEZ SAID

On his Instagram story, Fernandez said: “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 character or beliefs. I am truly sorry.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Fernandez’s incident comes a day after Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan suffered racial abuse from Como players in a pre-season friendly. While the Chelsea man has come out and apologised and condemned his own actions, it is another racial incident that tarnishes the reputation of elite athletes – including his team-mates in West London – and competitions.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENZO FERNANDEZ?

After the incident, several of Fernandez’s Chelsea compatriots unfollowed him on Instagram, including Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi. The Chelsea squad are reportedly very angry about the chants, with Fofana having called the video “uabashed racism.” The French trio will have to face the former Benfica midfielder soon though as he is due to join back up with the Blues for pre-season ahead of the new Premier League campaign.