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    Former Chelsea star demands Blues SELL Enzo Fernandez as he will ‘never be forgiven’ over racism storm

    FORMER Chelsea star Tony Cascarino reckons his old side should SELL Enzo Fernandez.The Argentina star is in hot water after filming himself and international teammates singing a vile racist song about the French national team.Tony Cascarino believes Chelsea will have to sell Enzo Fernandez after his racism stormCredit: PAThe Argentina ace filmed himself singing a vile chant about the French national teamCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez received a major backlash to the clip, with several Chelsea stars unfollowing him on social mediaWesley Fofana even went online to lash out at the “uninhibited racism.”And SunSport understands the Blues face a major dressing room divide ahead of the new Premier League campaign.Fernandez has since apologised for his part in the offensive chants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it remains to be seen whether he can make amends with Chelsea pals, including the club’s large contingent of France stars.And former Stamford Bridge ace Cascarino reckons Fernandez has left the Blues with little choice but to sell him.He feels Fernandez’s comments will forever keep him divided from the rest of the dressing room.And despite paying a then-record £105million to sign the World Cup winner 18 months ago, Chelsea should cut their losses for the sake of team unity.Most read in FootballCascarino told talkSPORT: “It’s going to be tricky. I look back at when I was at Chelsea in the 90s and I’m not sure that dressing room would be OK with what Enzo Fernandez did.“That’s a tricky one to handle. I think Chelsea have got a major decision on whether they actually keep Enzo Fernandez.Chelsea fans can’t wait for new season as video of training session emerges – but some fear ‘we’re revealing too much’Cascarino reckons there is one way Fernandez can redeem himselfCredit: The Sun“Having players not happy with a guy in the dressing room, I’m not sure there will be many that comfortable with some of the things that have gone on.“There’s no excuse for that to go out. It’s not going to sit well with the other players is it?“I don’t know how you can handle it because there will be players who can’t forgive. There might be some who can move on despite not liking what happened.“You don’t need everyone to like each other at a club but this is a really, really tricky one. Some players won’t want to move on or make it work.”But Cascarino reckons there may be one final way Fernandez can get back in Chelsea’s good books.He added: “He’s going to have to apologise to the squad face-to-face as well and maybe then there will be a bit more forgiveness.” More

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    Chelsea recall £23m star from France Olympics team just days before tournament kicks off in blow to Thierry Henry

    CHELSEA have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympic team just days before the tournament.The host nation begin their campaign against the USA in Marseille on Wednesday.Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympics teamCredit: RexThe midfielder had been included as a replacement by Thierry Henry for the tournamentCredit: GettyThierry Henry’s side are also set to face Guinea and New Zealand during the group stage.However, they will do so without Ugochukwu after the midfielder’s return to Chelsea.A statement confirming he had been recalled read: “Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the Olympic selection.”The midfielder is leaving the French Olympic Team this Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Following a request from Chelsea FC, Lesley Ugochukwu will permanently leave the French Olympic football team and will no longer be available as a reserve.”The technical staff, who have made a request to the organisers to be able to replace him, are awaiting a response. The current group is therefore made up of twenty-one players.”Ugochukwu had missed out on a place in the 18-man squad but was included as one of four replacements.Replacements can play in the tournament at any time if a member of the squad gets injured.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea had previously blocked both Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from call-ups for the Olympics.Ugochukwu returns to the Blues ahead of their pre-season USA tour, with five matches scheduled including a clash with Real Madrid.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaHowever, the 20-year-old may still not be involved amid a potential move away from Stamford Bridge.Chelsea are keen to loan the midfielder to another Premier League club, with three sides currently interested according to the Metro.Ugochukwu signed from Rennes in a £23million deal last summer, penning a deal through to 2030.He made 13 appearances before a hamstring injury in December ruled him out for six months.Following the lay-off, Ugochukwu played twice more off the bench after returning to action in May.Ugochukwu is expected to be loaned out to a Premier League club this summerCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea set for seven-figure windfall if England hire Graham Potter as next manager with Blues STILL paying his salary

    CHELSEA could earn a windfall of £1million if England decide to replace Gareth Southgate with Graham Potter.Potter left Chelsea in April last year after less than seven months in charge.Potter is among the front runners to take over as England bossCredit: PAGareth Southgate resigned on TuesdayCredit: AlamyAccording to the Mail, Chelsea are still paying Potter £200,000-a-week after sacking him.They are obliged to continue paying that until October.But if Potter accepts an offer from elsewhere, his new salary would be deducted from the £200,000-a-week paid to him by Chelsea.Potter is among the bookies favourites to take over the Three Lions after Southgate’s decision to resign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSouthgate earned around £5million a year in his role – around £100,000 per week – during his near-eight years in charge of the national team.That means that if Potter took the job on the same salary as Southgate, it would save Chelsea around £1million if he were to be appointed in September.Potter was questioned on whether he may take the job when receiving an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett Univeristy.Potter joined the uni as manager of the Leeds Carnegie men’s team in 2009 and completed an MSc in Leadership: Personal & Professional Development from the institution.Most read in FootballPotter spoke after receiving an honorary doctorateCredit: X @BBCWYSCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter being presented with his award, Potter was questioned on the links to the vacant England role.He said: “I don’t think today’s the day to speak about that. Gareth has done a fantastic job.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace him”I don’t think there is anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.”I think he and his team led the country in a really good way and I have huge respect for him.”And today’s the day to wish him a nice break because he deserves that. And to wish him well in whatever he does in the part of his career.”Current frontrunners for the job with the bookies are Potter, Eddie Howe and u21s boss Lee Carsley. More

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    Argentina chief SACKED after telling Lionel Messi to apologise for racist chants about France

    ARGENTINA’S deputy sports minister has been sacked after saying Lionel Messi should apologise for the Argentina squad singing a racist and transphobic chant aimed at France.Julio Garro was sacked within hours after making the comment on an Argentinian radio station.Argentina’s deputy sports minister called on Messi to apologise for members of the Argentina squad singing a racist chant aimed at FranceCredit: ReutersIt comes after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram leading the chantCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezArgentine Sports minister Julio Garro (left) was sacked by president Javier Milei (right) for saying Messi should apologise on behalf of the Argentina national teamCredit: NewsflashCaptain Messi was not even on the bus where the shocking incident took place.Garro told Urbana Play: “I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio Tapia].”He added that the incident “leaves Argentina looking bad as a country” and that it would be good to “make an example out of this”.It came after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram while leading the vile chant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor his suggestion that Messi should apologise on behalf of his national team as club captain, Garro was fired from his post by Argentina’s far-right president Javier Milei.Milei’s official social media account stated: “The Office of the President states that no government has the right to tell the Argentine national team, world champions and double Copa America champions, or any other citizen, what to comment, what to think and what to do. “That is why Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport.”Milei’s social media comment was followed up by Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel saying: “No colonialist country is going to intimidate us for a song on the pitch or for telling the truths they don’t want to admit.Most read in Football“Argentina is a sovereign and free country. We never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone.“But neither will we tolerate that they do it to us . . . Enzo I support you, Messi, thanks for everything! Argentinians always hold your head up high.”Copa America fans clamber into AIR VENTS as Argentina vs Colombia final descends into chaosVice President Victorial Villarruel (right) defended Fernadez’s sick chantCredit: APWesley Fofana said the chant was an example of ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyDavid Datro Fofana also criticised Fernandez;s chantsCredit: GettyVillarruel’s comments come after the French FA threatened legal action against the Argentinian FA over the chant.That followed Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate posting the video of Fernandez’s racist chant on X and saying: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana also condemned the chant and said: “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 in this sport.”Fernandez apologised for his role in leading the chant and said: “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.”Chelsea broke their silence on the matter on Wednesday morning and said: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.”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.”Several Chelsea players are said to have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram in response to his racist and transphobic chant.Chelsea’s pre-season training has already begun with Fernandez set to join up with the squad after the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea’s pre-season preparations are under threatCredit: GettyHe is one of several players being given an extended break after the Copa America and European Championship tournaments.He is contracted at the club until 2032, having joined from Benfica for £107million in 2023. More

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    Brentford ready to slash Ivan Toney’s asking price by more than £30m with just two clubs left in transfer race

    BRENTFORD are ready to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50million due to a lack of interest.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for in the England striker.Brentford are prepared to lower their asking price for Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThat leaves Tottenham and West Ham as his most likely suitors.Brentford had hoped to create an auction for Toney after he returned from an eight-month gambling ban in January and initially invited bids in excess of £80m.But there were no offers Toney during the winter transfer window and the club have been surprised at the lack interest this summer.Arsenal are not prioritising signing a striker this summer, Chelsea think Toney is too old and United have signed £36.5m Holland striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s position is complicated by the fact that they have been planning for Toney’s departure for over a year and have already signed his replacement.Brentford broke their transfer record to pay Club Brugge £31m for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February, and manager Thomas Frank will struggle to accomodate both players in his first-team plans.Toney is keen to leave Brentford this summer but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to join a “top club that wins trophies.”The 28-year-old could opt to see out the final year of his contract at Brentford in the hope of joining a big club on a free transfer next summer, although such a move may create tension with his employers.Most read in FootballBrentford stood by Toney during his FA ban placing over 200 bets on football, but their relationship is not straightforward.The former Newcastle and Peterborough striker initially denied placing any bets before changing his story and pleading guilty at an FA hearing, a U-turn which caused problems for the club.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashAny Tottenham bid for Toney would depend on them selling Brazilian international Richarlison.But they are also interested in Lille striker Jonathan David, who is available for £25m. West Ham have also inquired about Canada ace David. More

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    Chelsea’s pre-season plans in meltdown as Enzo Fernandez’s offensive video sparks huge dressing room rift

    CHELSEA’S pre-season plans are in total meltdown with a dressing-room rift triggered by Enzo Fernandez’s racist video.The midfielder posted a live stream of himself and some Argentina team-mates singing an offensive song referencing the heritage of France’s players.Enzo Fernandez’s offensive video has brought Chelsea’s pre-season in total meltdownCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez was filmed singing a derogatory song against French playersCredit: GettyThat didn’t go down well with the Chelsea dressing roomCredit: GettyNew Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has to deal with a dressing room riftCredit: GettyIt sent shockwaves through the Blues’ squad with up to TEN stars either unfollowing or snubbing him on Instagram.The £106million World Cup winner has issued an apology but one insider told SunSport: “It’s not enough”.Fernandez, 23, posted on Instagram: “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.”Read More on ChelseaBlues’ French defender Wesley Fofana branded the extraordinary video clip as “uninhibited racism.”Chelsea have a big French contingent in their squad including Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Malang Sarr, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu and Fofana. Three other non-French players are believed to be equally upset.Fernandez filmed himself and others chanting that many of Les Bleus’ players have French passports but hail from African countries as they toasted Monday’s Copa America final win over Colombia.Chelsea and world football’s governing body Fifa have launched investigations into the controversial post.Most read in FootballStriker Nicolas Jackson’s attempts to act as peacemaker failed after he published an image of Fernandez greeting a young, black Chelsea fan on a pitch, next to a picture of himself holding up his team-mate’s shirt.The post went up before training — but was later deleted. A source close to Jackson said: “Nicolas had no intention to create controversy or disrespect people. It was a kind gesture to support a team-mate and acted in good faith.”Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezChelsea jet out to the States on Monday for pre-season friendlies and Fernandez is expected back halfway through the US tour.Insiders at Stamford Bridge say the incident has rocked harmony within the camp and it will take a lot to repair the damage.One told SunSport: “People are saying ‘what the f*** was he thinking?’”The chant also includes derogatory and transphobic references to Kylian Mbappe.A Chelsea statement read: “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.” More

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    Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

    LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More

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    Enzo Fernandez breaks silence after being slammed by Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana for ‘uninhibited racism’

    ENZO Fernandez has broken his silence after being slammed by team-mate Wesley Fofana for “uninhibited racism”.Chelsea launched a probe after Fernandez posted a video on Instagram of himself and his Argentina team-mates chanting a sick discriminatory song.Enzo Fernandez has taken to Instagram to issue an apologyCredit: InstagramFrenchman Wesley Fofana called out his Chelsea team-mate after a clip circulated on XCredit: GettyBut the Argentina midfielder has now taken to the same social media platform to issue an apology.He wrote: “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.Read more Sports News”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”The World Cup winners beat Colombia 1-0 in Miami on Sunday to lift their second successive Copa America trophy.And footage emerged showing celebrating Argentina players singing a racist song on their team bus about the France team following their victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Most read in FootballAppearing on live TV some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola”.And they also targeted Kylian Mbappe with a transphobic chant amid reports surrounding his dating life.Fans sneak into Copa America final through air vents as Argentina stars forced to leave dressing room to help families In the latest video, Chelsea star Fernandez and team-mates could clearly be heard singing the part about Angola.Fofana, 23, who is French and the son of an Ivorian father, took to X to express his frustration with the viral clip as he wrote: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.French FA chiefs are threatening legal action against Argentina over the incident.The FFF condemned the chant and added: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks.Argentina have been hit by a racism storm after singing a vile chantChelsea star Enzo recorded team-mates singing the sick song on Instagram Live”Contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart.”And Fifa to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racial and discriminatory nature.”Chelsea themselves are yet to release a statement.Fernandez filmed the footage on his phone via Instagram live with the midfielder showing celebrations on the team bus.But seconds after the vile chant began he switched the recording off.Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.Wesley FofanaChelsea have a number of French players, such as Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Lesley Ugochukwu.Several have reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentina squad contains multiple players from the Premier League, including Lisandro Martinez and Alejando Garnacho of Manchester United, Man City’s Julian Alvarez, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso and Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez.It’s unclear if any of them were involved in the chanting. More