Enzo Fernandez: The Chelsea teammates alienated after French racism scandal

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 17 Jul 2024 09:55 BST
• 3 min read

Enzo Fernandez has risked alienating a large portion of his Chelsea teammates after posting a video of him chanting along to a controversial song following Argentina’s Copa America win.

Fernandez posted a live stream on Instagram of Argentina’s squad celebrating lifting the Copa America trophy, which included songs being sung on the team bus, and the 23-year-old was clearly seen leading some of the chants.

One of the songs referred to the French national team and a reference to the number of players in France’s squad of African descent, as well as a transgender insult.

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The French Football Federation has announced that it is filing a legal complaint against what it calls "racially offensive and discriminatory remarks" made by Argentina players.

Chelsea have launched their own investigation into the situation, with a number of players unfollowing Fernandez on social media, while Blues defender Wesley Fofana made a post condemning the song.

Fernandez has since apologised with a statement on social media, stating that the video does not ‘reflect his belief or character’.

Which Chelsea players have unfollowed Fernandez on social media?

Chelsea have a number of players with French backgrounds or of African descent, many of whom have played for France’s national team and could feel directly targeted by the chants.

Along with Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku and Malang Sarr are players who represent France at international level but also have African roots.

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Malo Gusto is also French with Portuguese and Martinique heritage, while Ivorian international David Datro Fofana and Belgian star Romeo Lavia are also reported to have unfollowed Fernandez on social media, along with Albanian striker Armando Broja.

Chelsea had no French representatives at Euro 2024, although former midfielder N’Golo Kante was a part of Didier Deschamps’ squad, having played alongside Fernandez for six months before moving to the Saudi Pro League last summer.