Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca says there will not be “any points” when Enzo Fernandez takes half of their pre-season video games as disciplinary proceedings over alleged racism are ongoing.
Earlier this month, after defeating Colombia within the Copa America remaining, Fernandez and a few of his Argentina teammates chanted a derogatory music that mocked France’s traditions in an Instagram Stay video posted on his account.
Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposted the video on X with the textual content “Soccer in 2024: unbridled racism.”
Forward of an investigation by Chelsea and FIFA into the incident, Fernandes took to Instagram to apologize for posting the video and any offense its content material could have brought about.
The midfielder will participate in Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the US on Monday and boss Maresca believes there might be no points along with his return.
“I believe it is simple, the participant made a press release, apologized and the membership did the identical factor, so I believe there’s nothing so as to add on this case. It is already clear,” Maresca mentioned on the sport Mentioned earlier than.
“On the finish of the day, they’re all human beings. I do not assume any of them have any sick intentions. I do not assume we can have any issues when Enzo comes again. The participant has clarified that the membership has completed the identical factor, so there’s nothing Replenishable.
“Once more, they are not dangerous folks, they are not dangerous folks. It could occur. I do not assume there’s any downside in any respect. I’ve spoken to all of them, however the gamers have made statements, apologized, in order that’s clear. “
Chelsea captain Reece James additionally hopes the membership and his teammates can transfer on from the incident.
He mentioned: “That is clearly a really tough scenario. Enzo admitted that he had completed one thing fallacious. He raised his arms and apologized to the membership, the staff and people who had been offended.
“He hasn’t arrived but so I do not assume there’s something that must be revised. I am going to should make a judgment name when he comes again. I hope everyone seems to be on the identical web page and we are able to transfer on from the scenario.”
sky sports activities information FIFA has reportedly opened an investigation into the incident and needs to talk to Fernandez.
A FIFA spokesman mentioned: “FIFA strongly condemns any type of discrimination by anybody, together with gamers, followers and officers.”
Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, who was on mortgage at Burnley for the second half of final season, responded by posting on social media: “The soccer I like is multiracial.
“Racism in all its kinds needs to be condemned within the strongest potential phrases. Such conduct has no place in soccer or certainly wherever else.”
“It is a combat that basically must be taken critically by everybody concerned within the sport.”
Fernandez: I am actually sorry
Forward of statements from Chelsea and FIFA, Fernandes mentioned he was “very sorry” for the video.
“This music incorporates extremely offensive language and there’s completely no excuse for these phrases,” the 23-year-old mentioned.
“I stand towards all types of discrimination and apologize for getting caught up within the pleasure of the America’s Cup celebrations.
“That video, that second, these phrases don’t replicate my beliefs or my character.
“I am actually sorry.”
French Soccer Federation launches authorized motion
The French Soccer Federation mentioned it might launch authorized proceedings accusing Argentinian gamers of constructing “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks”.
French soccer governing physique FFF mentioned in a press release that its president Philippe Diallo would ask FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentinian Soccer Affiliation president Claudio Fabian Tapia to answer the remarks. reply.
The assertion learn: “Philippe Diallo, President of the French Soccer Federation, condemns within the strongest potential phrases the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made towards French gamers in a music sung by their gamers and supporters. Argentina within the Americas After the cup win and posted a video on social media.
“Confronted with the seriousness of those surprising remarks that go towards the values of sport and human rights, the President of FFF determined to immediately problem the President of Argentina and FIFA and provoke authorized proceedings towards the insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
Some Argentina followers had been heard singing discriminatory songs in the course of the 2022 World Cup remaining as Argentina beat France on penalties.
