Enzo Fernandez embroiled in more controversy as River Plate fans welcome him after Copa America triumph with racial song against France

Enzo Fernandez has been caught up in further controversy after visiting his former club River Plate following Argentina's 2024 Copa America win. Supporters began chanting a racist song about France upon the Chelsea midfielder's arrival.

La Albiceleste won their second consecutive Copa America under Lionel Scaloni after beating Colombia 1-0 in the final. After the game, Fernandez posted a video on social media of him and the Argentina squad singing a discriminatory song about the French national team which originated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The 23-year-old's indiscretions did not sit well with many, including some of his French Chelsea teammates, and he has since issued an apology. Chelsea have issued a statement as well, condemning his behavior and confirming that disciplinary action will be taken internally.

The statement 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."

A week on from his Copa America triumph, Enzo Fernandez has now been entangled in even more controversy. He returned to his boyhood club and was welcomed with a standing ovation on the pitch ahead of River Plate's 2-2 draw against Lanus.

In an attempt to show support for the midfielder, fans started chanting a derogatory song, which translates to (via talkSPORT):

"They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.”

Enzo Fernandez left River Plate in 2022 and joined Benfica, playing in Portugal for six months before his move to Chelsea in January 2023.

"It's going to be tricky" - Tony Cascarino offers opinion on Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea future after controversial racist chant

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes the Blues have to make a decision on whether to keep Enzo Fernandez this summer. The pundit insists that his actions may cause discord in the dressing room.

While the Argentine midfielder has apologized for his actions, Cascarino has questioned whether his Chelsea teammates would forgive him. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said:

"It's going to be tricky. I look back at when I was at Chelsea in the 90s and I'm not sure that dressing room would be okay with what Enzo Fernandez did. That's a tricky one to handle. I think Chelsea have got a major decision on whether they actually keep Enzo Fernandez.

"Having players not happy with a guy in the dressing room, I'm not sure there will be many that comfortable with some of the things that have gone on. There's no excuse for that to go out. It's not going to sit well with the other players is it?"

Fernandez has recorded 62 appearances since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, contributing seven goals and five assists for Chelsea so far.