Chelsea midfielder enzo Fernandez Says Apology Over Offensive Song Strengthened Team Bonds
LONDON – Chelsea’s vice-captain Enzo Fernandez has revealed the fallout from a controversial video showing him and Argentina teammates singing an offensive song after winning the Copa America in 2023 ultimately brought him closer to his Chelsea colleagues. Fernandez,24,addressed the incident for the first time in an interview with GiveMeSport,stating,”What happened [being accused of singing a racist song] is not typical of who I am.”
The video, deemed “racist and discriminatory” by the french Football Federation (FFF) due to its targeting of players’ ethnicity, sparked criticism, notably from Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana, who initially described the footage as “uninhibited racism.” Fernandez promptly apologized to Fofana, who later accepted the apology, and issued both private and public apologies to his teammates. He even cut short his post-tournament holiday to apologize in person during the team’s pre-season tour of the United States, alongside a written statement expressing his remorse.
Fernandez explained the song is part of “football folklore” in Argentina and that his intention was not to cause harm. “It was a euphoric moment in which I didn’t want to hurt anyone,” he said. “I tried to apologise to the squad to show my team-mates that I’m not the type to discriminate or judge others. They understood my message and that’s where it all ended.” He confirmed the experience ”absolutely” strengthened his relationship with his teammates.
Despite a complaint filed by the FFF to FIFA,no disciplinary action was taken by the Premier League,Football Association,or UEFA,as the incident occurred during international duty and fell under the jurisdiction of South American governing body Conmebol.The anti-discrimination group Kick It Out raised concerns with FIFA in January 2024 regarding the lack of repercussions. Fernandez was signed from Benfica for a British record fee of £106.8 million in January 2023 and became Chelsea’s vice-captain later that summer under manager Enzo Maresca.
