S Poddar
Enzo Fernandez took to Instagram on Tuesday to apologize for his involvement in an offensive video following Argentina’s Copa America victory over Colombia.
The Chelsea midfielder expressed regret for his actions, stating, “I sincerely apologize for the video I posted during our national team celebrations. The song included highly offensive language, and I take full responsibility. I oppose discrimination in all forms and regret being swept up in the excitement. The words in that video do not represent my beliefs or character.”
The incident occurred during an Instagram Live session on a charter flight with his Argentina teammates. Fernandez and several others were seen singing a song that insulted the French national team, implying that players of African descent were not truly French. The chant had previously gained attention during the World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in the final.
This chant suggested that many players on the French team, born in Africa or with African heritage, were not genuinely French. Additionally, it referenced rumors about Kylian Mbappe’s relationship with Ines Rau, the first transgender woman to appear on the cover of Playboy.
Fernandez’s video has sparked significant controversy, particularly within Chelsea’s diverse locker room, which includes many French-African players. His apology and the ongoing investigation by Chelsea demonstrate the seriousness of the issue and the importance of addressing discriminatory behavior in sports.
