Chelsea release official statement on Enzo Fernandez and Argentina teammates directing racist chants at France

Chelsea have released an official statement on their website, condemning Enzo Fernandez and the Argentina national team's racist chants which were recently directed at France. The Blues also acknowledged Fernandez's public apology, stating they would use this as an opportunity to educate him.

Enzo Fernandez featured for Argentina in their 1-0 win against Colombia as they won the 2024 Copa America on Sunday, July 14. However, La Albiceleste took their celebrations too far on the team bus following their win. The 23-year-old went live on Instagram, where he and several others chanted (via Daily Express):

"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."

Several Chelsea stars, including Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana, and Axel Disasi, have already unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram. Other players are also reportedly furious with the latter's behavior.

The Blues issued the following statement on their website following the incident:

"Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior 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."

It is currently unclear what disciplinary action Fernandez may face, with both a hefty fine and suspension potentially on the cards.

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Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez issues public apology following racist chants against France

Following mass backlash by fans on social media, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez took to Instagram to issue a public apology for his racist chants against France.

He wrote:

"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."

It remains to be seen if Enzo Fernandez's relations with his Chelsea teammates can be fixed ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Since joining from Benfica for a reported transfer fee of £106.8 million in 2023, the Argentine has made 62 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.