Enzo Fernandez apologises to Chelsea teammates with anti-discrimination donation after racism scandal

Enzo Fernandez alongside Chelsea captain Reece James | Imago

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Reece James has addressed the situation with Chelsea teammate Enzo Fernandez after the midfielder's racism row (Credit: Imago)

Enzo Fernandez apologises to Chelsea teammates with anti-discrimination donation after racism scandal

Ayoola Kelechi 16:57 - 30.07.2024

The Chelsea star returned to the club amidst the ongoing racism scandal that rocked the Blues squad

Enzo Fernandez has reportedly issued an apology after he returned to the Chelsea squad in the United States after a controversy erupted over a racially motivated video he posted on Instagram that angered his fellow Blues stars.

Enzo’s racism scandal

The Chelsea midfielder was involved in a racism scandal during Argentina's Copa America celebrations, where he filmed himself and others singing a racially offensive song about French players.

Enzo Fernandez celebrating Copa America win with racially charged song || Instagram
Enzo Fernandez celebrating Copa America win with racially charged song || Instagram Enzo Fernandez celebrating Copa America win with racially charged song || Instagram

The scandal not only drew reactions from Chelsea's squad but also sparked a broader outcry. Blues defender Wesley Fofana took to social media to express his disappointment with the Instagram video from his teammate, labelling the chants as "uninhibited racism."

Chelsea's Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez look dejected during their 5-0 loss to Arsenal | Imago
Chelsea's Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez look dejected during their 5-0 loss to Arsenal | Imago Chelsea's Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez look dejected during their 5-0 loss to Arsenal | Imago

The offensive song, which originated after the 2022 World Cup final where Argentina defeated France, contained derogatory references to French players' African heritage and was widely condemned.

Enzo apologises to Chelsea teammates

According to reports, upon his arrival in Atlanta, Fernandez promptly apologised to his teammates in person and had also been in regular contact with them, expressing regret publicly and privately.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez | Imago

In response to his actions, has also Fernandez voluntarily decided to donate to an anti-discrimination charity, a gesture that was well-received by Chelsea's management. The club has committed to matching his donation through the Chelsea Foundation as they also hope to show their commitment to battling racism.

The incident presented an early challenge for Chelsea's new head coach, Enzo Maresca, who appointed captain Reece James and defender Axel Disasi as committee heads to decide the club’s response to Fernandez' actions.

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