Enzo Fernandez Under Investigation By Chelsea To Confirm racist video Posted
Enzo Fernandez Under Investigation By Chelsea To Confirm racist video Posted
Chelsea Football Club has launched an investigation into a video posted by their record signing, Enzo Fernandez, which allegedly contains racist content. The video, shared on social media, shows Fernandez and some of his Argentina teammates singing a song with derogatory remarks about the French national team.
The Incident
The video surfaced following Argentina’s Copa America victory. In the footage, Fernandez and his teammates are seen celebrating and chanting a song that includes offensive language. The French Football Federation (FFF) has condemned the video and announced plans to file a legal complaint.
Chelsea’s Response
Chelsea has taken swift action by initiating an internal disciplinary procedure. The club released a statement emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behavior and reaffirming their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Fernandez has publicly apologized, stating that the words in the song do not reflect his beliefs or character.
Reactions
The video has sparked significant backlash, with Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposting it on social media, labeling it as “uninhibited racism”. FIFA has also begun an investigation into the incident, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
Is there a history of racism in football?
Early History
- 1970s and 1980s: Racism in football became particularly visible during this period. Black players often faced severe discrimination from fans, including racist chants and physical abuse. Players like Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis, and Brendon Batson of West Bromwich Albion were among those who endured such treatment.
Anti-Racism Campaigns
- 1990s: The introduction of campaigns like “Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football” by the Commission for Racial Equality marked a significant step towards addressing racism in the sport. These campaigns aimed to raise awareness and promote inclusivity within football communities.
Modern Era
- Online Abuse: Despite efforts to combat racism, it remains a significant issue, especially with the rise of social media. Players continue to face racist abuse online, as seen with the backlash against England players after the UEFA Euro 2020 final.
- High-Profile Incidents: Recent years have seen several high-profile incidents of racism, prompting investigations and disciplinary actions by football authorities.
Ongoing Efforts
- Stricter Punishments: Football associations and clubs have implemented stricter punishments for racist behavior, including fines, bans, and legal actions.
- Education and Awareness: Continuous efforts are being made to educate players, fans, and officials about the importance of diversity and inclusion in football.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in combating racism in football. Chelsea’s proactive stance and Fernandez’s apology are steps towards addressing the issue, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of education and awareness in eradicating discriminatory behavior in sports.
