Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez found guilty for failing to identify himself as driver of car that allegedly ran red light - Reports
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been found guilty of failing to identify himself for allegedly running a red light in Llanelli, a town in Wales. The Argentinian footballer was driving a Porsche Cayenne through the town when he ran a red light in Carmarthenshire.
The incident happened late last year, on November 28, on Church Street, specifically. The midfielder also notably drove the vehicle without insurance, but these charges were eventually dropped.
However, after he failed to provide information about running the red light to the police, he was charged in court, according to the BBC. The case concluded on July 17, 2024, although he was absent at the Llanelli Magistrates' Court, as he has been on duty at Copa America with Argentina. He has been found guilty and will be sentenced on September 11, later this year.
Enzo Fernandez made the switch to Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 after helping Argentina win the Qatar World Cup in December of the previous year. Since his move, he has played 62 games in all competitions for the Blues.
The 23-year-old was part of the Albiceleste squad that has retained their Copa America trophy. However, he entered hot water, following celebrations that saw Fernandez and his teammates singing racist chants.
Chelsea openly condemn Enzo Fernandez's racist chants
After winning the Copa America, the Argentina squad were in a celebratory mood, which continued in the team bus as they left the stadium. Enzo Fernandez was sharing the moment on Instagram Live when they started singing racist chants about the African ancestry of black French players.
This has seen the midfielder face a lot of backlash from different quarters. His own Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana has slammed the video on social media, terming it "uninhibited racism". The French Football Federation also stated that they would be filing a legal complaint to FIFA about the issue.
Stamford Bridge has now responded to the racist chants in a club statement that said (via the club website):
"Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
"We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The Club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure."
Enzo Fernandez has indeed apologized publicly on Instagram, where the video had been shared. FIFA will also be investigating the situation, after releasing a statement condemning 'any form of discrimination' (via ESPN).