“It’s a very difficult situation. There is no place for racism or discrimination in football”. A week ago, Chelsea captain Reece James explained that it would be difficult to deal with the consequences of Enzo Fernandez’s act. His Chelsea teammate had made the infamous racist chant against the French, following the Albiceleste’s victory in the Copa America. In addition to the French players in the squad (Disasi, Fofana, Nkunku, Badiashile, Gusto), many other players in the dressing room took this slip-up badly.
The apology from Fernandez, who joined his club on a pre-season tour in the United States, was therefore highly anticipated by his teammates. “Enzo talked to each of us to clarify that there was no bad intention. The boys all accepted it. And since last night, everyone is together, talking and laughing. I don’t know if the club’s investigation is over. Enzo has already apologized four or five times. Since yesterday’s session, last night, the situation has been completely normal. Wesley was there. They talked to each other. It’s normal, sometimes the first reaction is not good.”explained coach Enzo Maresca two days ago.
Fofana has forgiven and defends Enzo Fernandez
We were particularly waiting for the first words of Wesley Fofana, who had posted on social networks “Football in 2024: racism without complexes” with the video of his teammate to support it. And he gave his feelings to the press present on the tour, on the sidelines of a friendly match against Club America. “It’s simple. He arrived on Monday and we spoke with the manager. We spoke together. I explained why I didn’t like the video. Enzo Fernandez apologized. He didn’t want to hurt the French fans or anyone. He didn’t understand when he sang, I trust him. Because I know him. I know Enzo. He’s not racist. I’m happy to see Enzo again. We play together. We have to stay together. We’re strong together.”
And Fofana continued. “If I’m on one side and Enzo is on the other and we’re arguing every day or we don’t talk or we’re not happy, then we’re not playing well! Everything’s fine now.” Fofana also explained that for him, the donation to a charity made by Fernandez did not change anything, and that he was not in favour of a heavy sanction for his teammate. “I don’t care about the money? He’s losing money. I don’t want Enzo to lose money. The donation is a good thing, but the most important thing is not to repeat the act and to educate everyone. He’s an example because Enzo is a great player, a great star. He understands it and I’m happy like that. I don’t think a big sanction for Enzo is a good thing. We have to educate about it because cultures are different, in many countries. We don’t have the same education, for better or for worse. But we have to educate everyone if we don’t want this to happen again.” It is said.
