Enzo posted a video on Instagram that featured him and his teammates singing a football chant that has been deemed to be racist and homophobic
Enzo Fernandez, midfielder for Chelsea FC, has issued a public apology following the emergence of a video showing members of the Argentina national team singing a chant that included racist and homophobic slurs.
The chants were aimed at players from the French national team, notably Kylian Mbappe, during their celebrations after winning the Copa America on Sunday, July 14th.
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The video, which surfaced on social media, sparked widespread condemnation from the football community, including Fernandez's own teammates and officials.
In response to the backlash, Fernandez expressed remorse for his participation in the video, both publicly on Instagram and privately within the Chelsea squad.
In his public apology, Fernandez acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, "I deeply regret my involvement in the video that has caused offense to many. There is no excuse for the language used, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize unreservedly to anyone who has been hurt or offended."
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Chelsea Football Club, upon verifying the authenticity of the video, swiftly initiated an internal disciplinary procedure.
The club affirmed its stance against all forms of discrimination, emphasizing their commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the organization.
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Chelsea stated, "We find discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable and have begun disciplinary measures accordingly. We appreciate Enzo Fernandez's public apology and will utilize this incident as an opportunity for education and reflection."
The fallout from the video has extended beyond Chelsea, with the French Football Federation announcing its intent to pursue legal action against Argentina for what they deemed "racist and discriminatory" behavior. FIFA has also acknowledged the incident and vowed to investigate further.
Fernandez, who is not expected to rejoin the Chelsea squad until later in the month, faces a test of reconciliation with his teammates, some of whom have publicly distanced themselves from him on social media.
Despite mixed reactions within the squad, some players like Nico Jackson have shown solidarity with Fernandez amidst the controversy.
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As the football world awaits further developments in this ongoing issue, Fernandez's apology marks a critical step in addressing the incident's repercussions and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity in the sport.