Chelsea forward extends support to teammate Enzo Fernandez amid racism row, shares video on Instagram

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has posted a message in support of Enzo Fernandez after his racist video on Instagram went viral. The Senegalese forward has come out to imply that the chants the World Cup winner sang alongside his Argentina teammates do not reflect who he is as a person.

Jackson and Fernandez have been teammates at Chelsea for a year following the Senegalese striker joining from Villareal for 37 million euros last summer. The former Yellow Submarine player has scored 17 goals and assisted six in 44 games in West London.

In two posts on his Instagram story, Nicolas Jackson looked to support his teammate by sharing a video and a picture:

Jackson's post in support of Enzo Fernandez

Jackson's post showing Enzo Fernandez with a black child

Fernandez joined the Blues in January of 2023 after his World Cup win in Qatar the previous winter. He has played 62 games for the west London club, scoring seven and assisting five since his 121-million-Euro move from Benfica.

Unlike Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea's other black players have not been so willing to forgive the Copa America winner for his disgusting chant. Wesley Fofana publicly called out the former Benfica midfielder, while Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi have unfollowed the midfielder.

---

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez issues apology for racist chant

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has issued an apology for the racist video he uploaded on Instagram following Argentina's Copa America win. The video showed the Albiceleste national team singing a racist chant that originated among their fans at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that mocked France's black players.

Following widespread condemnation, the midfielder took to the same social network to issue a statement apologizing that read:

"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."

The Chelsea midfielder was earlier spotted in a video he uploaded proudly singing a vile chant on the bus that translated to :

"Listen, spread the word, they play in France, but they are all from Angola, they are going to run well, they like to sleep with trans people, their mum is Nigerian, their dad is Cameroonian, but on the passport it says: French."

It remains to be seen if Enzo Fernandez will face sanctions for his part in a truly shameful display following widespread backlash.