"Didn't even ask him to apologize" - Enzo Fernandez's father unhappy with Chelsea star's social media activity after singing video came to light
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been embroiled in a racism scandal for nearly a week, but his father is unhappy with how things have been handled. The Argentine international has received severe criticism from the football world since the event, with his actions expected to warrant a ban.
After winning the Copa America, Fernandez live-streamed a video of himself in the Argentina team bus chanting a song that had offensive lyrics to mock French players. The reaction was immediate, with his Chelsea teammates of French origin finding it racist and immediately unfollowing him on Instagram.
Defender Wesley Fofana took it up a notch, calling out the Argentine midfielder with a social media post that referred to him as racist.
Enzo Fernandez has since apologized publicly and privately, but his father believes the situation could have been handled better, particularly by Wesley Fofana.
As per quotes shared by @AlbicelesteTalk on X, Raul Fernandez said Fofana did not contact Fernandez after the post went up and immediately called him out despite being teammates.
"Enzo feels bad, he didn't mean it, he already apologized on social media and to his Chelsea teammates," he said. "But his teammate in Chelsea didn't even ask him to apologize or anything, he could've contacted him and asked for it, but no, he straight went to social media in a minute!"
Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Fofana were the players who immediately unfollowed the Argentine midfielder after the episode, but Fofana was the only one to release a public statement. The former Leicester City man has also received racist abuse online since putting up his post, making the situation even messier.
Enzo Fernandez is yet to resume pre-season training with the rest of the Blues' squad after his extended participation in the Copa America. The 23-year-old is expected back with Enzo Maresca's squad before the start of the campaign, and may yet face a ban from the English FA.
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez facing lengthy ban over racism - Lawyer
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez may be set to face a lengthy ban after his offensive video came to light. The Argentine international filmed himself chanting a song mocking the African ancestry of French national team players and has received widespread criticism since.
Sports lawyer Udo Onwere has revealed that if the FA decides to take up the matter under its discrimination regulations, Fernandez could receive a 6 to 12-game ban. The lawyer also shared with MailSport that swifter action would have been taken if the midfielder were an English national.
Chelsea put out a statement in the aftermath of the post that they are carrying out internal investigations to determine the best course of action to resolve the problem. The club will likely fine the 23-year-old, who will have a chance to legally explain his actions and will hope he avoids a lengthy ban from the FA.