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ENGLAND CHELSEA’S pre-season plans are in total meltdown with a dressing-room rift triggered by Enzo Fernandez’s racist video.
The midfielder posted a live stream of himself and some Argentina teammates singing an offensive song referencing the heritage of France’s players. It sent shockwaves through the Blues’ squad with up to 10 stars either unfollowing or snubbing him on Instagram.
The £106 million World Cup winner has issued an apology but one insider told SunSport: “It’s not enough”. Fernandez (23) posted on Instagram: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. 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.”
Blues’ French defender Wesley Fofana branded the extraordinary video clip as “uninhibited racism.”
Chelsea have a big French contingent in their squad including Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Malang Sarr, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu and Fofana. Three other non-French players are believed to be equally upset.
Fernandez filmed himself and others chanting that many of Les Bleus’ players have French passports but hail from African countries as they toasted Monday’s Copa America final win over Colombia.
Chelsea and world football’s governing body Fifa have launched investigations into the controversial post. Striker Nicolas Jackson’s attempts to act as peacemaker failed after he published an image of Fernandez greeting a young, black Chelsea fan on a pitch, next to a picture of himself holding up his teammate’s shirt.
The post went up before training — but was later deleted. A source close to Jackson said: “Nicolas had no intention to create controversy or disrespect people. It was a kind gesture to support a teammate and acted in good faith.”
Chelsea jet out to the States on Monday for pre-season friendlies and Fernandez is expected back halfway through the US tour. Insiders at Stamford Bridge say the incident has rocked harmony within the camp and it will take a lot to repair the damage.
The chant also includes derogatory and transphobic references to Kylian Mbappe. A Chelsea statement read: “We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.” — www.thesun.co.uk
Online Reporter