By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
Chelsea announced Wednesday that they launched a disciplinary procedure against midfielder Enzo Fernandez for alleged racist chant after winning the 2024 Copa America with Argentina.
"Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behavior completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome," the English Premier League club's statement read.
Earlier Wednesday, Enzo published an apology text on his official Instagram account which is read; "I want to apologize 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 apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my character or beliefs. I am truly sorry."
Chelsea's statement added, "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 Tuesday it would complain to FIFA about racist chants from members of the Argentinian national team following the victory at the Copa America tournament Sunday.
Argentine players could be heard singing a derogatory chant in an Instagram feed from the team’s bus regarding the origins of France footballers following the victory against Colombia in Miami, the US.
During the feed from Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s live broadcast, the players could be heard singing: "They play for France, but they are from Angola. His mother is Nigerian, his father is Cameroonian. But on the passport: French."
Argentina raised the Copa America title by edging Colombia 1-0 in extra time after normal time ended scoreless.