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    Enzo Fernandez racist video addressed by Chelsea teammates and staff in tense meeting

    By Rudi Kinsella & Darren Lewis & Mark Jones,

    7 hours ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4EVVBf_0uhr2uRO00

    Enzo Fernandez has said sorry to his Chelsea colleagues face-to-face and has also made a voluntary donation to an anti-discrimination charity after he was caught on video singing a racist chant following Argentina's Copa America triumph earlier this month .

    The midfielder linked up with the Chelsea team in Atlanta as part of their pre-season US tour, and the club, having been satisfied with his conduct since the regrettable video came to light on Fernandez' own Instagram story, have contributed an equal amount to the same charity through their foundation.

    Chelsea have now drawn a line under the incident, with Fernandez back in training ahead of their upcoming friendly against Club America on Wednesday night.

    Fernandez was recorded belting out a song with his Argentina teammates that contained derogatory remarks about the origins of French players, including Kylian Mbappe, after their 1-0 extra-time victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14.

    The offensive lyrics included: "Listen, spread the word, they play in France, but they are all from Angola, they are going to run well, they like to sleep with trans people, their mum is Nigerian, their dad is Cameroonian, but on the passport it says: French".

    Tensions between Argentina and France have intensified post-Qatar World Cup final, and following the release of the video, Fernandez's French teammates at Chelsea, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, and Malo Gusto, all stopped following the 23-year-old on social media.

    Fofana tweeted along with a clip "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism", addressing the incident sharply.

    Leaders of the team, defender Disasi and captain Reece James, have been actively working to ensure Fernandez is reintegrated with the squad. Following his return to the group for a meal in Atlanta, the club now considers the issue resolved.

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    After personally saying sorry to his teammates, this followed earlier apologies by Fernandez both in public and in private. The player has expressed strong intentions to take this as a learning experience and is hopeful his donation will contribute to educating on offensive language and bringing attention to discrimination.

    In his previous public statement a fortnight ago, Fernandez had commented: "I want to apologize sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations, the song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. .

    "I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologize for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry."

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