Second Chelsea Player Speaks Out Following Enzo Fernandez Racism Controversy
Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana has voiced his discontent after Enzo Fernandez was accused of participating in a racist and homophobic chant aimed at French players.
The incident followed Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final, where 23-year-old Fernandez appeared in an Instagram live video singing a derogatory song about the French team. The footage showed him waving his phone while joining in the offensive chant with his teammates.
Chelsea’s French defender Wesley Fofana responded to the video by posting on social media, saying, “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.” He, along with several other players including Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Axel Disasi, subsequently unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
Fernandez later issued a public apology on Instagram, acknowledging the offensive nature of the song. “The song includes highly-offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” he wrote. “I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize 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.”
Chelsea responded with a club statement condemning all forms of discriminatory behavior. “We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities, and identities feel welcome. 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.”
The Telegraph reported that Fernandez has also apologized to his Chelsea teammates. This came after Nicolas Jackson appeared to support Fernandez through a series of Instagram stories.
Despite the apology, Ivory Coast international Fofana took to social media to share his perspective. In an Instagram story, he stated, “The football that I like is multi-ethnic. Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone in this sport.”
