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Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez apologised with a message on Instagram story on July 17 after he received widespread criticism for his participation in racist chants aimed at the France national team during Argentina's 2024 Copa America victory celebrations.
Fernandez had shared a video of him and his Argentine teammates in a bus singing a racist song about French players. Taking to his Instagram story, Fernandez apologised for the chants, admitting that he was taken away by the celebrations and that it doesn't represent his values or character. He posted (as per Albiceleste Talk):
"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.
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"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 star's video, shared on Instagram, specifically targetted the roots of the French players and included both transphobic and racist chants against them. It made fun of how many players of France are from various African countries but still play for the French team.
The song was allegedly also sung by fans and players when Argentina beat France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar as well.
Enzo Fernandez's video led to major controversy on social media and the world of football, as multiple players from Chelsea and others criticised the Argentina team and Fernandez for their actions
Three Chelsea stars unfollowed Enzo Fernandez on Instagram following his racist chants against France
Chelsea stars Wesley Fofana, Male Gusto and Axel Dissasi reportedly unfollowed Enzo Fernandez on Instagram after he shared a video of the Argentina team singing racist chants aimed at France. All three of them are Black players from the French team.
Fofana also took to social media to openly criticise his Chelsea teammate, calling him out for his uninhibited racism.
"Football in 2024: uninhibited racism" Fofana wrote on X.
The derogatory song included lyrics aimed at the French players' African heritage. As per Metro, the lyrics of the song translates roughly 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."
The France Football Federation also condemned Enzo Fernandez's video in and said that they would take legal action against the Argentine players for their racist and discriminatory behaviour. It remains to be seen how FIFA reacts to the incident.
