"I think it’s pretty weak” - Ex-Chelsea star slams Blues’ handling of Enzo Fernandez racism row
Former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry has slammed the Blues for how they handled the Enzo Fernandez racism row. The Argentina international made headlines for the wrong reasons after he and some of his international teammates made a video singing a racist and discriminatory chant.
The video was posted on Fenandez's social media account in which the Argentine players racially abused French players. It caused a massive outrage, especially from Chelsea's French contingent, putting major doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge.
Fernandez issued a public and private apology for the incident while also issuing an apology to his teammates at Stamford Bridge. It appears that his apology has been accepted by his teammates and Chelsea.
The Copa America winner has joined the Blues' pre-season training and had lunch with other players. He also pledged a significant contribution to an anti-discrimination charity but Michael Duberry believes that his former club did not handle the situation well.
The former Leeds United defender insisted that the west London giants should have taken stronger action against such a serious matter. He also hit out at Blues skipper Reece James for his efforts in reintegrating Fernandez to the squad. Duberry said, as quoted by talkSPORT:
"I think it’s pretty weak. They could have put out more of a statement, so I’m not really satisfied with it – not that I’m looking for the player personally, but the crime that’s happened deserves a bit. A contribution, a little bit of money to a campaign is not really satisfactory in my opinion."
He added:
“As club captain he has to stand by the club and says it’s put aside, but when you go in there you have your relationship with players, your teammates – just like any office anywhere. Depending on the relationship beforehand, people will form their own opinions and be decent and professional on the pitch because they want to win but off the pitch – I don’t want to say it’ll split the camp – but it will have ongoing repercussions. I think it was a great chance for the club to show their stance towards the racism act."
Expectations were massive from Enzo Fernandez when Chelsea signed him from Benfica in January 2023 in a deal worth a reported £106.8 million. However, the Argentine is yet to live up to his astronomical transfer fee so far. Fernandez has made 62 appearances for the Blues so far, having scored seven times while producing five assists.
Enzo Maresca opens up on the future of Chelsea star linked with an exit
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has offered a cryptic response when asked about the future of Conor Gallagher at Chelsea. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge in recent months.
Gallagher's current deal at the west London club expires in the summer of 2025 putting the Blues in a tight corner. With the club also needing to balance their books, newly-appointed Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca refused to rule out a move for Gallagher. On being asked about the England international's future, Maresca said, as quoted by Ben Jacobs:
“When the window is open anything can happen, not only for Conor."
Gallagher is thought to be reluctant to leave his boyhood club but might be forced to depart. He has been a mainstay in the senior side since 2022 after impressing on loan elsewhere.
The 24-year-old also captained the side for most of the last season in the absence of injury-ridden Reece James and Ben Chilwell. The midfielder has made 95 appearances for the Blues to date scoring 10 goals and providing 10 assists.