Published 14:41 IST, July 17th 2024
'Completely unacceptable': Chelsea Condemn Enzo Fernandez's Racial Act, Disciplines The Argentine
Chelsea paid heed to the controversy related to Enzo Fernandez and disseminated that they have "instigated an internal disciplinary" on the player.
Chelsea have confirmed they are taking disciplinary action against midfielder Enzo Fernandez over his questionable conduct during the Copa America 2024 title victory celebration. A video of Fernandez has gone viral, which has been posted by him as well, featuring him and other Argentina players celebrating victory over Colombia and hurling racial slurs. The chants were targeted towards French players and consequently French Football Federation has complained about Argentina players' demeanor.
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Chelsea condemns Enzo Fernandez's act
As the video got worldwide traction, Enzo Fernandez faced flak from everywhere, resulting in him issuing a public apology.
"I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song included highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," Fernandez wrote on his Instagram story.
"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry," he wrote further.
Chelsea Football club, for which the Argentine in focus plays, also paid heed to the matter and disseminated that they have "instigated an internal disciplinary procedure" on the player.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable,” read a club statement.
“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.”
An earlier statement from the French Football Federation confirmed they would be filing a legal complaint with FIFA against their Argentine equivalent over the “racist and discriminatory remarks” made by the Argentina players.
“Given the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to contact its Argentinian counterpart and Fifa directly to file a legal complaint for racist and discriminatory remarks,” the French football body said in a statement.
Updated 14:41 IST, July 17th 2024