Enzo Fernandez apologizes for his alleged racist chant against France

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez found himself in trouble after being accused of using offensive words against French players while celebrating Argentina’s Copa America victory La Albiceleste were crowned South American champions for the second time in a row after defeating Colombia 1-0 in the 2024 edition’s final in the USA.

An extra-time goal from Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez gave Lionel Scaloni’s side the deserved victory over James Rodriguez’s Colombia.

After the Copa America final, the major talking point was a viral video posted on Fernandez’s Instagram page rendering a song from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which seems offensive to French players.

The viral video earned the former Benfica midfielder a global condemnation, and his Chelsea teammate, a French international, Wesley Fofana, also joined the fans in criticising the Argentine.

According to BBC Sports, the Blues are investigating the video posted by Fernandez after the French Football Federation released an official statement claiming the song included a “racist and discriminatory” chant.

The 23-year-old eventually broke his silence on the whole saga and apologised for the video.

“I want to apologise 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 apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.

That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.

I am truly sorry.”