Enzo Fernandez has apologised to his Chelsea team-mates after becoming a member of the squad within the USA following the racism storm across the midfielder.
Fernandez has been on the centre of a racism row this month after he posted a video on Instagram which appeared to indicate him and his Argentina team-mates participating in a derogatory chant concerning the France nationwide staff throughout celebrations of their Copa America success.
Chelsea centre-back Wesley Fofana described it as “uninhibited racism” and, whereas FIFA’s investigation into the incident continues, Chelsea’s inside disciplinary course of has now been concluded.
Fernandez joined up with the Chelsea squad on Monday in Atalanta and apologised instantly to his team-mates, with the apology understood to be accepted.
The 23-year-old, who moved to Chelsea in February 2023 for a then British-record switch payment of £106.8m from Benfica, has already educated with the squad within the USA.
The Argentina worldwide has instructed Chelsea he might be making a major contribution to an anti-discrimination charity – with Chelsea matching his contribution – and talks at the moment are underneath option to resolve the place the very best place to donate the funds might be.
Chelsea began disciplinary proceedings towards Fernandez two weeks in the past after he posted a video on social media which the French Soccer Federation mentioned contained a racist tune about France’s black gamers.
Fernandez has returned to the Chelsea squad from vacation after his worldwide commitments with Argentina this summer time
Fernandez has been involved with members of the squad following his public social media apology and personal apology two weeks in the past, however Monday was the primary alternative to apologise in particular person.
Fernandez, Chelsea captain Reece James and French defender Axel Disasi have been the lead figures within the session course of with different Chelsea gamers.
Chelsea’s disciplinary course of towards Fernandez is now closed with the participant thought to be having been proactive in apologising in public and in non-public, and by pre-empting a advantageous by making a donation to fund anti-racism and anti-discrimination schooling.
Fernandez says he’s sorry and is dedicated to anti-racism and anti-discrimination.
James accepts Fernandez racism row ‘might be an issue’ for Chelsea
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Chelsea captain Reece James discusses the ‘troublesome’ Enzo Fernandez scenario
Final week, Blue skipper James admitted the racism storm surrounding Fernandez might be a “problem” inside the dressing room.
Requested if the problem may impression on staff spirit at Stamford Bridge, James instructed ESPN: “Of course.
“There’s all the time the issue the place it would not sit proper with individuals when there might be an issue.
“But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”
James additionally revealed the conversations he had had with Fernandez earlier than he rejoined the squad on Monday.
“I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time zones,” the 24-year-old mentioned.
“Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.
“It is a actually troublesome scenario. There is not any room for racism or discrimination in soccer.
“I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended. I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”
