Enzo Fernandez racism scandal causes civil war at Chelsea

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 17 Jul 2024 10:15 BST
4 min read

Chelsea have been plunged into civil war as a result of the Enzo Fernandez-Argentina national team racism scandal.

Article continues under the video

Enzo and a group of Argentina teammates were filmed celebrating their Copa America victory in which they chanted a derogatory song about the France national team.

The song in question has been called racist and transphobic as it contains a number of references to the African heritage of France players, as well a transgender insult.

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 club investigation into the event.

Enzo has since apologised on social media for his part in the scandal.

What did Enzo say?

"The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," he said.

"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.

"That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.

"I am truly sorry."

🚨 Enzo Fernández statement to apologize after racist chants. pic.twitter.com/IW1uDPoPne
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2024

However, Enzo and Chelsea have a great deal of work to do in order to repair the damage done within the club’s dressing room.

It has been reported that a host of Enzo’s Chelsea teammates are furious with the Argentine for his behaviour.

Le football en 2024 : racisme décomplexé 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/MGkH5wPmNU
— Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) July 16, 2024
Indeed, Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana called Enzo a racist on social media. He reposted the video on X with the words: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism".
It has also been reported elsewhere that a number of Chelsea players, including Fofana, have unfollowed Enzo on Instagram. However, this has not been confirmed.
Argentina and France’s national teams have had something of a bitter rivalry since the 2022 World Cup final in which the South American team won on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
This sorry episode is the last thing that Chelsea and their new manager Enzo Maresca want to deal with as they prepare for the new season that kicks off next month.

Read more about: Premier League, Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez, Wesley Fofana