Enzo Fernández was not spared. On the night of the Albiceleste’s victorious celebration in the Copa América, the Argentina players, and the midfielder as the main protagonist, took up a racist chant against the French team. The FFF subsequently contacted FIFA and Chelsea opened an internal investigation into the incident, leaving the 23-year-old player in the dark about his future.
Two weeks after the controversy, Enzo Fernandez was back with the Chelsea team in the United States. The Argentine arrived in Atlanta on Monday and immediately apologized in person to his teammates, according to the Daily MailHe had been in constant contact with the players since he publicly apologised, but it had not been enough and Chelsea’s French players, as well as others affected by the video, such as Reece James, wanted to explain themselves to the player.
Enzo Fernandez spoke with James and Disasi
Captain Reece James and French defender Axel Disasi were two of the key players in the consultation process with Chelsea players over the midfielder’s return to the London squad. Disasi was one of six Frenchmen on the club’s tour, alongside Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku. But after discussions with James, Disasi and the entire French squad, Enzo Fernández has now trained with the squad and had lunch with his team-mates.
Furthermore, while a heavy financial penalty had been mooted, Enzo Fernández voluntarily offered to make a donation to an anti-discrimination and racism charity in recognition of his inappropriate gesture, which satisfied Blues officials. The club also privately pledged to match the donation through its charitable arm, the Chelsea Foundation. Several players involved are said to have appreciated the player’s apology and gesture and the matter is considered closed internally, according to the BBC. Enzo Maresca should confirm this on Tuesday, during his press conference.
