August 1 – Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana has accepted an apology from teammate Enzo Fernandez but says he needs educating after the Argentine midfielder was filmed singing a derogatory song about France’s black players.
Fernandez has been at the centre of a racism row since posting a video on Instagram which appeared to show him and other Argentina players engaging in a derogatory chant about the France national team during celebrations of their Copa America success.
Fernandez was accused of “uninhibited racism” by Fofana after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on July 14.
But Fofana – who later deleted his post – says Fernandez has now “said sorry” and “did not understand” when singing it.
Chelsea are taking no action against Fernandez following an internal disciplinary procedure which is now closed though FIFA are still investigating the alleged racism.
“I trust him because I know him,” Fofana told reporters at Chelsea’s pre-season training camp in the United States.
“I know he is not racist. The act… I felt a little bit upset. But now, it is done. It is finished.”
Fernandez has made a voluntary contribution to an anti-discrimination charity, which will be matched by Chelsea.
Fofana, one of seven French players in the Chelsea squad, said he did not want Fernandez to be fined and education is more important.
“I don’t think a big sanction for Enzo is a good process,” he added. “”I hope this has educated him a bit, because for sure, it is a different culture. We need to educate about this because cultures are different, a lot of countries.”
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