ENZO FERNANDEZ made another apology to the Chelsea squad after joining them in Atlanta two weeks after sparking a racism storm.
The Argentina international, 23, trained and had lunch with his Blues team-mates for the first time yesterday after offering an in-person apology at their St. Regis hotel in addition to his public statement and private messages.
A fortnight ago the club record signing streamed a video of himself and his Argentina team-mates singing a racist and homophobic chant about France’s black players.
France international Wesley Fofana hit out at the “uninhibited racism”, with the video angering a number of the Chelsea squad.
Fernandez will make a donation to an anti-discrimination charity which Chelsea will match.
Captain Reece James and five-cap France international Axel Disasi have been in discussions with Fernandez ahead of his return to try and smooth things over.
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James admitted earlier in Chelsea’s American tour that he would not know how much damage would have been done to team spirit until the midfielder returned.
The Blues are yet to confirm whether there will be an outcome to their internal investigation.
Fernandez is also under investigation by Fifa, which could lead to a ban should it be referred to the FA.
The social media video also sparked a diplomatic incident, with ministers sacked in Argentina and the French Football Federation filing a legal complaint with Fifa.
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Argentina’s anthem has also been booed at the Paris Olympics.
The video, filmed as the Argentina squad celebrated their Copa America victory, made reference to the African heritage of France’s black players.
Chelsea have six black French players in their squad on the pre-season tour of America.
The Blues were in pre-season action on Saturday night, being thumped 4-1 by Celtic.
Chelsea’s pre-season tour
Here is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:
RESULTS
- Chelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24
- Chelsea 1 Celtic 4 – July 27
FIXTURES
- Chelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
- Chelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
- Chelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Gotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
- Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DC
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
