Chelsea have launched an investigation after Wesley Fofana publicly called out a video of a racist chant involving Enzo Fernandez. 20: 22, Tue, Jul 16, 2024 | UPDATED: 21: 08, Tue, Jul 16, 2024
Chelsea are investigating the controversial video. (Image: INSTAGRAM/GETTY)
Chelsea have launched an investigation into a video clip posted on social media by Enzo Fernandez that appears to show Argentinian players singing a racist and transphobic chant on a team coach. Fernandez’s team-mate Wesley Fofana took to social media on Tuesday evening to condemn the shocking clip.
Argentina were celebrating retaining the Copa America with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Colombia on Monday morning.
Fernandez was broadcasting the joyous scenes live on Instagram before the discriminatory chant broke out and someone in the background appeared to say “cut the video.”
Argentina supporters first sang the chant after their 2022 World Cup triumph when they beat France on penalties in Qatar.
It claims that all French players are “from Angola” and references Kylian Mbappe’s reported relationship with transgender model Ines Rau.
The full lyrics to the vile song are: “Listen, spread the word. They play in France, but they are all from Angola.
“They are going to run well, they like to sleep with trans people, their mum is Nigerian, their dad is Cameroonian, but on the passport, it says: French.”
During the £106million star’s live broadcast, Argentinian players could be heard reciting the first two lines before the Chelsea midfielder went off-air.
Wesley Fofana called Enzo Fernandez out. (Image: Getty)
Fofana took issue with the 23-year-old’s involvement in the controversial clip on X, formerly Twitter, by reposting it with the caption: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
Three facepalm emojis accompanied his post, and Chelsea are treating it as a serious matter, opening an investigation.
Fofana is one of a large French contingent at Stamford Bridge, including Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, Moises Caicedo, Romelu Lukaku and Levi Colwill are among other black players in Enzo Maresca’s ranks.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The French Football Federation has confirmed that it has reported the incident to FIFA and will pursue legal action against those allegedly culpable.
On Tuesday, a statement read: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media.
“Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racial and discriminatory nature.”
Be First to Comment