How Reece James and Axel Disasi helped Enzo Fernandez apologise to his Chelsea team mates
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez rejoined his teammates last night, and apologised in person for his participation in Argentina's controversial video
Chelsea will hope that Enzo Fernandez’s in-person apology to his teammates after returning to the squad will be enough to mend relations following a controversial video he posted while on international duty.
Two weeks ago, the club record signing streamed a video of himself and his Argentina teammates singing a racist chant about France's black players. This prompted defender Wesley Fofana to condemn it as “uninhibited racism”, leading to some teammates unfollowing Fernandez on social media.
Football has been a leading tool in bridging gaps and educainge people about the unquantifiable effects of racism and segregation, and Chelsea ensured that players, including captain Reece James and French defender Axel Disasi, led discussions as Fernandez apologised to the entire squad.
LondonWorld has been told that the World Cup winner has volunteered to donate money to an anti-discrimination charity, which Chelsea will match. FIFA is still investigating the issue, but Chelsea hope that Fernandez's apologies through social media and in person will go a long way to receiving forgiveness from some of the players and help mend any broken relationships.
Chelsea sources have said no one will know the level of damage that has been done to team spirit until the season begins, but there is an attempt to offer support to everyone affected by the video within the camp.
The Fernandez video also sparked a diplomatic incident, with ministers sacked in Argentina and the French Football Federation filing a legal complaint with FIFA. On the field, Chelsea are still winless in their first two pre-season games after a draw against League One side Wrexham and a 4-1 defeat to Celtic a few days later. They will take on Club America later this week as they look to get their first win of the season.