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Enzo Fernandez faced criticism from within the Chelsea dressing room over the video he posted on social media Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez says his relationship with his team-mates was strengthened by the way he dealt with the fallout from posting a "racist and discriminatory" video on social media. Fernandez, 24, filmed himself and his Argentina team-mates singing offensive songs after winning the Copa America last year. The footage was criticised by his Chelsea colleague Wesley Fofana, who described it as "uninhibited racism". Fofana later accepted an apology from Fernandez. The video led Fernandez - signed from Benfica for a British record fee of £106. 8m in January 2023 - to say sorry to his team-mates both privately and publicly. Speaking about the episode for the first time to Give Me Sport, Fernandez said: "What happened [being accused of singing a racist song] is not typical of who I am. " Silva's son signs first pro contract with Chelsea Fernandez, who became Chelsea's vice-captain that summer under manager Enzo Maresca, explained how he cut short his post-tournament holiday to apologise in person during their pre-season tour of the United States, when he also released a written statement saying he was "truly sorry". When asked if the episode strengthened his relationship with his team-mates, he replied: "Yes, absolutely. " He added: "It was a tough time, but my team-mates understood me. "It was a euphoric moment in which I didn't want to hurt anyone. It was just a song that we sing in Argentina as part of 'football folklore', as we call it. "I tried to apologise to the squad to show my team-mates that I'm not the type to discriminate or judge others. They understood my message and that's where it all ended. " The French Football Federation (FFF) filed a complaint to Fifa about the video, which it called "racist and discriminatory" as it targeted the ethnicity of their players. However, no punishment was issued by the Premier League, Football Association or Uefa, as it fell under the jurisdiction of South American governing body Conmebol because it happened on international duty with Argentina. Kick It Out, the anti-discrimination group, raised its concerns with world governing body Fifa in January regarding the lack of action taken against Fernandez. Latest Chelsea news, analysis and fan views Ask about Chelsea - what do you want to know? Five reasons for English positivity before Gabba Test Red Bull regret comments after Antonelli receives death threats Why Caicedo was sent off but Bentancur escaped A Danish lawyer sets out to expose her corrupt clients Fearne Cotton brings you epic 90s tunes to sing along to The second series of Mammoth has defrosted on BBC i Player A literary hoax that rocked the publishing world in 1971 When F1 title has gone to a final-race three-way fight Five reasons for English positivity before Gabba Test 'Raise hell' - the fastest bowler you might not have heard of Why Caicedo was sent off but Bentancur escaped 'Qatar GP shows anything can happen in three-way title showdown' 'Arsenal deserve to be clear - but who's best placed to challenge? ' 'Is this the start of Liverpool's life without Salah? ' 'Bonds the embodiment of West Ham's spirit' Abject failure becoming the norm - where does Welsh rugby go from here? What next for heavyweight division after TKV win? A 'waste of England's time' - what did Wiegman learn from Lionesses' stroll? What's going on with fan disorder at European games? 766 and all that - when Cook conquered Australia 'Cherry-picked' or deserving? Why Pimblett got UFC title shot The rise of Bayern's 'special' teen Karl who 'plays Messi style' How world's best are spearheading British doubles boom Captivating but confusing - what state is international rugby in? What next for friendly foes who see each other 'more than family'? Three Boks, four Englishmen - who makes Opta's team of the autumn? Sports Personality of the Year set for 18 December Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
