A total of 10 Chelsea players have unfollowed Enzo Fernandez’s Instagram account due to racially charged remarks during Argentina’s celebration of winning the 2024 Copa America.
They are Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu, Malang Sarr, David Datro Fofana, Romeo Lavia, and Armando Broja. Seven of the players are French.
“There are 10 Chelsea players who unfollow Enzo Fernandez after racially charged remarks,” wrote the X Vibes Foot account.
The Chelsea players’ move to unfollow Enzo Fernandez despite being at the same club is considered a response to the Argentine national team midfielder’s reckless actions while celebrating winning the 2024 Copa America because he sang offensive lyrics about the background of French players.
Enzo Fernandez’s actions immediately drew criticism. The French Football Federation (FFF) responded to the action with a serious official statement.
“FFF President Philippe Diallo strongly condemns the unacceptable racist and discriminatory actions directed at the French national team in the part of the song sung by Argentine players and supporters,” the FFF wrote in its official statement.
Regarding the disgraceful attitude carried out by its player, Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea then spoke up.
“Chelsea Football Club considers any form of discriminatory behavior to be completely unacceptable. We pride ourselves on being a club that accepts diversity and inclusion, where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome,” Chelsea said in a statement.
FIFA is also reported to have begun to intervene to investigate the racist case carried out by Enzo Fernandez and a number of other Argentine national team players against the French national team.
“FIFA is aware of the [racist] video circulating on social media and the incident is being investigated. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination carried out by anyone including players, fans and officials,” said a FIFA spokesman quoted from AFP.
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