CHELSEA have started an “internal disciplinary procedure” after their midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a video on social media that the French Football Federation said contained a “racist and discriminatory” chant.
Fernandez posted the video showing Argentina players singing a song about France players as they celebrated their Copa America win.
Chelsea have seven French players in their first-team squad: Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Malang Sarr.
Fofana posted an image of the video on Instagram saying it was “uninhibited racism”.
Fernandez posted an apology on his social media on Tuesday night. It read: “I want to apologise 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.”
The video referenced the African roots of some of the French players.
Chelsea released a statement on their website: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. 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 French Football Federation said: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly appeal to his Argentine counterpart and Fifa and to file a legal complaint for racially offensive and discriminatory remarks.”
Argentina defeated France on penalties in the World Cup final in 2022. Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 last weekend to win a second consecutive Copa America.
