Enzo Fernandez, the Chelsea and Argentina midfielder, is facing the possibility of a 12-match ban following his involvement in a controversial Instagram Live video featuring racist and transphobic chants. This incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from fans, teammates, and sports authorities.
The Incident: Racist and Transphobic Chants
During Argentina’s celebrations after their Copa America victory, Fernandez shared an Instagram Live video that showed him and several Albiceleste teammates singing derogatory chants. The chants suggested that France’s players are “all from Angola,” mocking their multi-ethnic heritage. This behavior has been widely criticized as both racist and transphobic.
Immediate Backlash
The video quickly drew negative attention, with Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana being the first to publicly denounce Fernandez’s actions. Fofana described the chants as “uninhibited racism” in a social media post. Unfortunately, Fofana’s post also attracted a wave of racist trolls targeting him.
Social Media Fallout
In response to the incident, many of Fernandez’s French teammates, including Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, and Axel Disasi, chose to unfollow him on Instagram. Fernandez subsequently issued a public apology, stating that the words in the video do not reflect his personal beliefs or character.
Chelsea’s Response
Chelsea FC quickly issued a statement condemning Fernandez’s actions and announcing the launch of an internal disciplinary procedure. The club is considering various forms of punishment, with the most likely being a financial penalty. According to Udo Onwere, a sports lawyer at Bray & Krais and a former Fulham midfielder, Chelsea is expected to “go down the financial route” to handle the situation. This approach would likely involve fining Fernandez for gross misconduct, typically equating to two weeks’ salary.
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Potential Legal and FA Actions
Udo Onwere also mentioned that Fernandez will have the opportunity to explain his actions legally, with his public apology potentially mitigating further punishment. As of now, the Football Association (FA) has not taken action regarding the incident but has not ruled out the possibility entirely.
Fernandez’s Career at Chelsea
Enzo Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107 million. Since his arrival, he has been a regular player under various Chelsea managers, including Graham Potter, Frank Lampard, and Mauricio Pochettino. This incident poses a significant challenge to both his reputation and career at the club.
The fallout from Enzo Fernandez’s involvement in the racist and transphobic chants is ongoing, with potential repercussions both from his club and the FA. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Fernandez will navigate the consequences of his actions and the impact on his career.
