Chelsea
defender Wesley Fofana has spoken to the media and addressed the racism
storm which has engulfed the club during their pre-season tour of the USA.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been at the centre of a racism row this month
after he posted a video on Instagram which appeared to show him and his
Argentina team-mates engaging in a derogatory chant about the France
national team during celebrations of their Copa America success.
Fernandez has apologised to his Chelsea team-mates after joining the squad
Stateside - and Fofana is now desperate to draw a line under the episode.
Speaking to the written press in the USA, the France defender said: "Enzo
Fernandez said sorry. He did not want to hurt French fans or anyone.
"He did not understand when singing it, I trust him. Because I know him. I
know Enzo. He is not racist. I'm happy to see Enzo back. We play together.
We need to stay together. We're strong together.
"If I'm on one side and Enzo is on the other side and we fight every day or
we don't talk or we're not happy, then we don't play well! It's all ok now."
At the time, the centre-back had described it as "uninhibited racism" and,
while FIFA's investigation into the incident continues, Chelsea's internal
disciplinary process has now been concluded.
Fernandez joined up with the Chelsea squad on Monday in Atlanta and
apologised immediately to his team-mates, with the apology understood to be
accepted.
The 23-year-old, who moved to Chelsea in February 2023 for a then
British-record transfer fee of £106.8m from Benfica, has already trained
with the squad in the USA.
Speaking from pre-season camp, head coach Enzo Maresca said on Tuesday: "We
all feel very comfortable, very good. Enzo is back, he had a chat with all
of us to clarify there was no bad intention. The lads, they all accept it.
"Everything was like before, the players were all together, all speaking,
all laughing. There is no mystery, we've clarified the situation and there
is nothing more to add. We all make mistakes. Enzo has apologised and his
team-mates have accepted it."
Defender Levi Colwill added: "We're a team, we move forwards together.
Everything that has happened stays between us. We're really excited to get
to work and hopefully have a really positive season."
The Argentina international has told Chelsea he will be making a significant
contribution to an anti-discrimination charity - with Chelsea matching his
contribution - and talks are now under way to decide where the best place to
donate the funds will be.
Chelsea started disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez two weeks ago
after he posted a video on social media which the French Football Federation
said contained a racist song about France's black players.
Fernandez has been in contact with members of the squad following his public
social media apology and private apology two weeks ago, but Monday was the
first opportunity to apologise in person.
Fernandez, Chelsea captain Reece James and French defender Axel Disasi have
been the lead figures in the consultation process with other Chelsea
players.
Chelsea's disciplinary process against Fernandez is now closed with the
player regarded as having been proactive in apologising in public and in
private, and by pre-empting a fine by making a donation to fund anti-racism
and anti-discrimination education.
Fernandez says he is sorry and is committed to anti-racism and
anti-discrimination.
When approached by Sky Sports News, Kick It Out referred back to their
statement on July 17.
Sky Sports News understands the PFA contacted Chelsea to offer its support
to players affected by the incident.
It did not wish to comment on Chelsea's internal investigation.
Sky Sports News has also contacted the French Football Federation, FIFA, and
the FA for comment.
James accepts Fernandez racism row 'could
be a problem' for Chelsea
Last week, Blues skipper James admitted the racism storm surrounding
Fernandez could be a "problem" within the dressing room.
Asked if the issue could impact on team spirit at Stamford Bridge, James
told ESPN: "Of course.
"There's always the factor where it doesn't sit right with people when there
could be a problem.
"But until the day comes where everyone's together and in a room together, I
don't know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move
forward with the season."
James also revealed the conversations he had had with Fernandez before he
rejoined the squad on Monday.
"I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time
zones," the 24-year-old said.
"Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to
explain his situation and how things happened.
"It's a really difficult situation. There's no room for racism or
discrimination in football.
"I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he'd done wrong and
apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were
offended. I think that was probably the best he could have done in that
situation."
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