Enzo Fernandez, a midfield player for Chelsea, has been subject to disciplinary action by the French Football Federation following the release of a video on social media that he said featured a “racist and discriminatory” chant.
The FFF announced on Tuesday that it would lodge a protest with FIFA, the world regulatory body, regarding the video that featured a song performed by several of the Argentina team regarding the black players in France.
Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s teammate at Chelsea and a French cap winner, shared a picture of the video on Instagram with the caption “uninhibited racism”.
As Argentina celebrated winning the Copa America, Fernandez—a £107 million British record signing in February 2023—posted a video on social media apologizing for what he had done.
Fifa is also looking into the video, which has a number of Argentina players singing along to a song that was originally performed by Argentina supporters and questions the ancestry of the black and mixed-race players in France.
Ten members of Chelsea’s first team roster, including Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Malang Sarr, are black or of mixed race.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” Fernandez stated.
“I apologize for getting sucked into the excitement of our Copa America celebrations and I stand against discrimination in all its manifestations.
“That video, that moments, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.”
“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate,” a Chelsea statement said.
“The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
Regarding the live video Fernandez shared on social media following Argentina’s 1-0 victory against Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday, the FFF will get in touch with the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
President Philippe Diallo “condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable and discriminatory remarks that were made against the players of the French team,” according to an external statement from the FFF.
It continued: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly appeal to his Argentine counterpart and Fifa and to file a legal complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks.
“For comment, we have contacted the Argentine Football Association.
Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final and France defeated Argentina in the 2018 World Cup round of 16.
A representative for Fifa stated that “the incident is being looked into” and that they were “aware of a video circulating on social media”.
They further stated that “Fifa strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
“All forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable,” according to Chelsea.
They continued: “We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.”
“There is no place for these acts in football.”
David Datro Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, asked everyone in sport to take part in the “fight” against racism.
“My interest in football is multi-ethnic,” the Ivorian attacker wrote on Instagram.
“We should strongly denounce racism in all of its manifestations. These behaviors have no place in football or any other sport, really.
“This fight really needs to be taken seriously be everyone in this sport.
“Following his season-long loan to Burnley, Fofana is back in training with Chelsea. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson, another striker for the Blues, has posted on Instagram to show support for Fernandez.
In Jackson’s post, the Argentina midfielder was seen having fun with a little African American child while on the team’s US preseason tour last year.
Kick It Out, an anti-discrimination NGO, declared the film to be “unacceptable” in the meanwhile.
“We stand with and show our full support to Wesley Fofana after he responded publicly and brought it to wider attention,” said the statement.
“As multiple players are heard singing the song, the effect on opposing teams’ teammates and supporters will likely be greater.
“We urge the Argentina federation, Fifa, and all involved clubs to handle this troubling situation with compassion, understanding, and empathy.
“Apologies cannot be the beginning and finish of a response to these tragedies. What matters more is what is done later to make sure participants are informed and held responsible, both in England and on a global scale.”
Similarly, the anti-discrimination group Show Racism the Red Card stated that “words are not enough” in response to those remarks.
“The racism by the Argentina players is abhorrent, disgraceful and, to record it on social media, it’s unbelievable to think it was amusing or even they would get away with it,” said Ged Grebby, the company’s chief executive.
“It’s great that they haven’t, but we want to see more than just players apologizing. That is insufficient.
“The harm is already done. Not just to black Premier League players, but also to black individuals in our community.
“We urge Chelsea to get in touch with Show Racism the Red Card and arrange for this player to visit our schools in order to collaborate with us, as words alone will not suffice when it comes to anti-racism education.
It would have a profound effect. Instead of prohibiting this player from participating in any number of games, let’s engage him in Show Racism the Red Card, a constructive anti-racism campaign.”
Source: BBC
