Connect with us

World

Grealish on England heartbreak, plus transfer news and pre-season updates

Published

on

Grealish on England heartbreak, plus transfer news and pre-season updates

Fernandez apologises on return to Chelsea squadpublished at 13:05

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Enzo FernandezImage source, Getty Images

Enzo Fernandez has apologised to several French players in the Chelsea squad after being accused of “uninhibited racism” by team-mate Wesley Fofana.

The Argentina international, 23, landed in Atlanta in the United States and addressed the video posted to his social media account after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on 14 July.

The video featured a song sung by some of the Argentina squad about France’s black players, which the French Football Federation said included an alleged “racist and discriminatory” chant.

A complaint was made to world governing body Fifa, while Chelsea instigated an internal disciplinary procedure which is now closed.

Chelsea have seven France players who are black or mixed race in their first-team squad. Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Fofana were all part of the travelling group on Chelsea’s US tour.

Fofana, who has one cap for France, had posted an image of the video on Instagram, describing it as “uninhibited racism”.

BBC Sport understands several players appreciated the initial talks, with new manager Enzo Maresca expected to confirm the imminent return of the £107m midfielder.

Continue Reading