July 31 – Chelsea will take no action against their Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez for singing a derogatory song about France’s black players.
Fernandez was accused of “uninhibited racism” by Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana for a video posted after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on July 14.
Chelsea instigated an internal disciplinary procedure which is now closed with no action taken though a separate investigation by FIFA is ongoing following a complaint by the French FA.
Chelsea have seven French players who are black or mixed race in their first-team squad but manager Enzo Maresca said the squad had “all accepted” Fernandez’s apology.
“We all feel very comfortable and good,” the Italian said. “Enzo Fernandez is back; he had a chat with us and he just clarified that there was not any bad intention.
“The meeting was between me, Enzo and some of the other players. Wes was there, to clarify the situation. There is no mystery behind it – we all make mistakes and sometimes have to apologise. Enzo apologised four or five times. The lads already accepted it.
“Since yesterday’s session and last night, everything was like before. They were all together, speaking and laughing – a normal situation. It was exactly what I expected as I know there is not any bad intention and they are all good people.”
Fernandez has also made a voluntary contribution to an anti-discrimination charity. The amount will be matched by Chelsea.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1731645364labto1731645364ofdlr1731645364owedi1731645364sni@w1731645364ahsra1731645364w.wer1731645364dna1731645364