David Detro Fofana has urged football to take the fight against racism seriously (Picture: Twitter / Instragram)
David Datro Fofana has become the second Chelsea player to speak out against racism in football amid the scandal enveloping his teammate EnzoFernandez.
Chelsea and FIFA are investigating after the Argentina international apologised for an ‘offensive’ video posted on his Instagram account.
The French Football Federation said on Tuesday it would file a legal complaint alleging ‘racially offensive and discriminatory remarks’ were made by Argentina players following their Copa America victory over Colombia.
The complaint follows footage that was posted by Chelsea midfielder Fernandez, which appeared to show him and his team-mates chanting about the France team as they celebrated their 1-0 win in Sunday’s final.
Fernandez put a statement on his Instagram account on Tuesday night, saying: ‘I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
‘The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
‘I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
Enzo Fernandez was signed by Chelsea in a €121m (£106.8m) deal from Benfica in January 2023 (AFP via Getty)
Fernandez’s French club-mate Wesley Fofana posted the video on his own social media accompanied by the message: ‘Football in 2024: Uninhibited racism.’
The former Leicester City centre-half now appears to have received support from his namesake and club colleague, who wrote on Wednesday: ‘The football that I like is multi-ethnic.
‘Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,’ These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else.
‘This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone involved in this sport.’
Chelsea, meanwhile, released a statement on Wednesday morning welcoming Fernandez’s apology, while announcing disciplinary proceedings. Football’s world governing body FIFA said it too was investigating.
‘Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable,’ the statement read. ‘We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
‘We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.’
A FIFA spokesperson said: ‘FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into. FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.’
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