MX23RW : Thursday, September 12 03:52:57| >> :120:44374:44374:

Enzo Fernandez 'learns fate' after Chelsea investigation into Argentina video

Enzo Fernandez 'learns fate' after Chelsea investigation into Argentina video
© Reuters
Chelsea have reportedly decided not to punish Enzo Fernandez after he was captured on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs about members of the France national team.

Chelsea have reportedly decided not to punish Enzo Fernandez after he was captured on video chanting racist and homophobic slurs about members of the France national team.

Following La Albiceleste's Copa America triumph earlier this month, the 23-year-old shared a video of himself and some of his teammates singing a derogatory song about French players of African descent.

Fernandez is reported to have apologised in person to his teammates in Atlanta on Monday, where the Chelsea squad is preparing for a friendly against Mexican side Club America on Wednesday night.

It is understood the Argentine has voluntarily offered to make a contribution to an anti-discrimination charity in recognition of his misjudgement.

The club has also privately pledged to match his donation through their charitable organisation, the Chelsea Foundation.

Enzo Maresca pictured on March 9, 2024© Imago

Fernandez not out of the woods just yet

BBC Sport report that several players appreciated Fernandez's attempts to apologise, and new manager Enzo Maresca is expected to announce the imminent return of the £107m midfielder.

In a media conference last week, the Italian downplayed the situation, stating that he did not anticipate any problems upon the 23-year-old's return.

"I don't think so," the Italian responded when quizzed about the issue on July 24. "They are all human beings. I don't think there are any bad intentions from any of them.

"I don't think when Enzo is back that we will have any situations. Enzo clarified the situation, the club the same, so there is nothing to add.

"They are not bad people or human beings. It can happen but I don't think there are any problems at all. I spoke with Enzo and all of them."

FIFA is currently investigating the matter, which might lead to involvement from the Football Association (FA) and could result in a potential ban from domestic matches for Fernandez.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez before the match on February 3, 2023© Reuters

Mixed reactions toward Fernandez among Chelsea players

Chelsea's first-team squad includes several French players who are Black or of mixed race: Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, and Wesley Fofana.

Fofana, who has one cap for France, posted an image of the video on Instagram, calling it "uninhibited racism."

Blues' winger Noni Madueke was one player who supported his manager's view, suggesting that the situation would ultimately "be fine."

However, club captain Reece James described the situation as a "problem" and offered to step in as a mediator, along with five-cap France international Disasi.

The social media video also triggered a diplomatic incident, resulting in the dismissal of ministers in Argentina and prompting the French Football Federation to file a legal complaint with FIFA.

ID:549329:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4865:

Enzo Fernandez future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Enzo Fernandez

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez looks dejected after Arsenal's Kai Havertz scores their fourth goal on April 23, 2024
Read Next:
Division at Chelsea? French players 'very angry' over Fernandez video
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City33009279
2Liverpool33007079
3Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton32106247
4Arsenal32105147
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle32104227
6Brentford32015416
7Aston Villa32014406
8Bournemouth31205415
9Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest31203215
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs31116334
11Chelsea31117524
12Fulham31113304
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham310245-13
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd310225-33
15Leicester CityLeicester301235-21
16Crystal Palace301225-31
17Ipswich TownIpswich301227-51
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves301239-61
19Southampton300315-40
20Everton3003210-80


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!