Man Utd believe ‘no evidence’ of their players being involved in Enzo Fernandez video

Garnacho and Martinez celebrating the Carabao Cup win in 2023 (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United believe there is no evidence of Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho being involved in Enzo Fernandez’s video capturing Argentina players singing a racist song.

Argentina celebrated winning a second successive Copa America on Sunday night after a 1-0 win over Colombia.

While players were celebrating on the team bus following the win, Chelsea midfielder Fernandez began a live video broadcast which captured him and others singing the racist and transphobic chant aimed at France.

FIFA and Chelsea have begun disciplinary proceedings into the clip with Fernandez also since apologising, claiming the video does not ‘reflect my beliefs or my character’.

Wesley Fofana, a teammate of Fernandez’s at Stamford Bridge, described the video as ‘uninhibited racism’ with the French Football Federation saying they will be making a legal complaint.

The chant in question was first sung by Argentina supporters during the 2022 World Cup.

United stars Martinez and Garnacho were also part of the Argentina squad celebrating Copa America success on Sunday. Garnacho was not seen in the clip with the presence of Martinez also not verified at this stage.

The video was shared on Sunday night.

The Manchester Evening News report United have now distanced themselves from the footage, with one source telling the publication there is no evidence of either player being involved in the singing of the chant.

Chelsea meanwhile released a statement on Wednesday morning welcoming Fernandez’s apology which was shared on social media some hours earlier.

‘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.’

Fernandez wrote in his apology message: ‘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 América celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my character or beliefs. I am truly sorry.’

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