Enzo Fernandez has left Chelsea's new head coach - Enzo Maresca - facing a full-scale dressing room crisis.
The Argentine midfielder posted a message of apology for the discrimination of French players while celebrating his 2024 Copa America championship. However, this move could not appease the wave of fierce criticism towards Fernandez.
"I would like to sincerely apologize for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the celebration with the national team. The song has highly insulting language and there is no excuse for these words.
I stand against discrimination in any form and apologize for being caught up in the joy of the 2024 Copa America celebration. That video, that moment, those words did not reflect my beliefs or personality. I really apologize" - the Argentine player wrote a letter of apology on social media.
Wesley Fofana, who has played for France twice, expressed his feelings about Fernandez's actions with a message on social media: "Football 2024: endless race".
Other typical French players of The Blues such as Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi have all stopped following Fernandez on social media.
In a Chelsea statement about Fernandez's actions, there is a section: "Ch Chelsea football club feels that all forms and discrimination are completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, integrated club where people from all walks of life, communities and identities feel welcomed.
We acknowledge and appreciate Enzo Fernandez's public apology and will consider this an opportunity for education. The club has begun internal disciplinary procedures."
But that will be a big challenge not only for Maresca but also for the Chelsea board. As expected, the French players at Chelsea expressed strong opposition to Fernandez's actions.
In a related development, Nicolas Jackson initially made a move to defend Chelsea's £107 million contract. On his personal page, Jackson shared a video of Fernandez playing with a colorful young fan. After that, the Senegalese player also posted a photo of him and Fernandez together with the intention of defending his teammate.
However, shortly after, Jackson deleted his post due to backlash on social media. A source close to Jackson said: "Nicolas Jackson has no intention of causing controversy. It was a good gesture to support his teammate and he acted kindly."
Chelsea will travel to the US early next week to participate in a series of friendly matches before the new season and according to the plan, Fernandez is also expected to participate. However, the Blues' dressing room is said to have cracked seriously and it will take a long time to regain cohesion.
