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

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      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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      Premier League clubs worst-hit by Paris Olympics with Chelsea and Man City losing stars

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      MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are both set to lose two players to the Olympics.With just a seven days to go before the football event starts, the 16 nations involved have released their squads.Julian Alvarez is set to lead the line for ArgentinaCredit: ReutersLesley Ugochukwu will feature for FranceCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta has also been called-up to the French squadCredit: GettyThe gold medal match is scheduled for August 10 at PSG’s stadium Parc des Princes.That’s just a week before the Premier League returns, meaning several players will miss a large chunk of pre-season and possibly be unavailable for the first match.In total, nine Prem stars will feature at the Olympics this summer.Man City see Julian Alvarez heading off with Argentina.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea are also losing two players in USA keeper Gabriel Slonina and France’s Lesley Ugochukwu.Meanwhile, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line for Les Bleus.Wolves pair Boubacar Traore of Mali and Enso Gonzalez of Paraguay are both set to play in France.Gonzalez will be joined by Brighton ace Julio Enciso.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd New Zealand have called up young duo Alex Paulsen of Bournemouth and Ipswich’s Henry Gray.Other big name players battling it out for gold in Paris include PSG’s Achraf Hakimi for Morocco, Argentina’s ex-City star Nicolas Otamendi and former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny for Egypt.Inside sex-mad Olympic Village with 300k condomsSpain have an impressive squad, starring Barcelona wonderkid Pau Cubarsi and Chelsea transfer target Samu Omorodion.Host nation France managed by Thierry Henry are the favourites.He has also called up the likes of Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette to the squad.Players must be under 23 years old to qualify for selection – unless they are one of three over age stars chosen.Premier League stars at the OlympicsJulian Alvarez – Man City/ArgentinaLesley Ugochukwu – Chelsea/FranceGabriel Slonina – Chelsea/USAJean-Philippe Mateta – Crystal Palace/France Boubacar Traore – Wolves/Mali Enso Gonzalez – Wolves/ParaguayJulio Enciso – Brighton/ParaguayAlex Paulsen – Bournemouth/New ZealandHenry Gray – Ipswich/New Zealand More

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      Forgotten Man Utd ace who made debut replacing Gary Neville wakes up unemployed… before joining his club hours later

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      A FORMER Manchester United player went from free agent to a new club in a matter of moments. James Chester – who came through United’s academy – woke up temporarily without a team after leaving League Two Barrow. James Chester came through Manchester United’s academyCredit: PA:Empics SportThe announcement was made at 12.45pm – but just 15 minutes later he had a new club.His unemployment did not last long as League Two Salford confirmed his move.They posted: “Salford City announces the signing of ex-Wales centre-back James Chester on a one-year deal!” Chester made his United debut in 2009 as a sub when he replaced Gary Neville against Derby in the League Cup.READ MORE IN football He spent two more years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2011 to join Hull.Chester, 35, had other spells with West Brom, Aston Villa, Stoke and Derby before dropping down to League Two with Barrow and now Salford – owned by United legends Neville, brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul ScholesThe centre-back made 35 Wales appearances, including in their Euro 2016 semi-final loss to eventual winners Portugal.Chester told his new club: “I look back on the games that I have played in, and I think that if you had told me before I started my career, I would never had believed you and I would have snapped your hands off there and then!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“There is a lot to choose from, but I think the Euros on the whole for Wales was a huge highlight, to be involved in that was very very special.“But I think to have played for, and to represent the clubs that I have done, and to have had the career that I have, I find myself very fortunate and very proud it is continuing.Man Utd stars including Marcus Rashford arrive for first pre-season friendly against Rosenborg“I still have a desire to play and win, so hopefully the supporters will see that from me.“I was out in Dublin with the squad last week and it is a really good group to be around, and there are a lot of young players here too, so hopefully I can help them and bring them along as well.“I think the week as a whole was brilliant, it was a tough week but I think one which is important to have at this stage of the season to get yourself ready for the opening day.“I still have the desire to carry it on and take it further, and all the Salford fans will see that.”Chester has left Barrow to join SalfordCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea star Wesley Fofana targeted with disgusting racist abuse after slamming Enzo Fernandez as club release statement

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      CHELSEA star Wesley Fofana has been targeted with disgusting racist abuse after slamming team-mate Enzo Fernandez on social media.The defender hit out after Argentina players chanted a vile song about the French national team following their Copa America win.Wesley Fofana has been targeted by racist abuse after criticising Chelsea teammate Enzo FernandezCredit: GettyFernandez filmed Argentina’s national team chanting a vile song after France’s playersCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezChelsea’s £105million midfielder Fernandez filmed the disgraceful scenes in an Instagram Live from Argentina’s bus – leading to a major backlash.It saw £75m centre-back Fofana take to social media, where he described his team-mate’s antics as “uninhibited racism.”But the one-time France international was subjected to disgusting racist abuse by some supporters.It resulted in Fofana switching off the comments section.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYet some vile trolls still took their bile to some of his older posts.While the French Football Federation has threatened legal action against their Argentinian counterparts.Fernandez has since apologised in a grovelling statement.But a growing rift is now emerging at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues’ large French contingent reportedly furious with Fernandez’s behaviour.Most read in FootballStars like Axel Disasi and Christopher Nkunku have also reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on social media.And new Blues boss Enzo Maresca will have to work as hard on dressing room unity this summer as he will on implementing his new tactics.Chelsea fans can’t wait for new season as video of training session emerges – but some fear ‘we’re revealing too much’Chelsea are now set to investigate Fernandez after yesterday’s controversial video emerge.A club statement confirmed: “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.”Fernandez has since issued an apology, 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES“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.” More

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      Leny Yoro flying to Man Utd for medical and to finalise personal terms after £52m transfer agreed for Lille star, 18

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      LENY YORO is flying to England for a medical after Lille accepted a £52million bid from Manchester United.The Red Devils are ready to close a stunning deal for the 18-year-old despite facing fierce competition from Real Madrid.Leny Yoro is on his way to England for a medical after Man Utd had a £52m bid accepted by LilleCredit: GettyYoro was thought to favour a move to Spain.But The Athletic claims United have stormed ahead after successfully submitting an offer worth £52m.And Yoro is now on his way to Carrington for a medical before striking personal terms on a lucrative contract.The teen appears to have had a major change of heart after initially setting his sights on a Bernabeu switch.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal made Yoro their No1 choice to replace outgoing veteran Nacho Fernandez.And with the youngster out of contract next summer, they were even prepared to wait a year before landing him on a free transfer.But Yoro now looks to have been convinced by the project on offer at Old Trafford.It’s been all change behind the scenes, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos in charge of football operations.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe day-to-day is being overseen by new sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical chief Jason Wilcox, as well as CEO Omar Berrada.Erik ten Hag has signed a new contract taking him until 2026.Who is Manchester United’s new striker Joshua Zirkzee? (1)And the Dutchman has been joined in the dugout by two compatriots, with Ruud van Nisterooy and Rene Hake his new assistants.United have already made a first signing in £37m Netherland striker Joshua Zirkzee.Matthijs de Ligt is expected to follow from Bayern Munich.And Ten Hag could make it a hat-trick of Dutch Euro 2024 aces by sealing a move for PSG’s Xavi Simons. More

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      Man Utd ‘won’t pursue Gareth Southgate as manager if they sack Ten Hag with ex-Chelsea boss top target for the job’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE will not be a target to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, reports say. Southgate has left his position as England manager after 2-1 defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain. Gareth Southgate left his position as England managerCredit: AlamyHe was long linked with the United job as Ten Hag looked to be facing an uncertain future. But after a summer of deliberation, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Old Trafford board decided to stick with the Dutchman.Southgate is admired by Ratcliffe & Co at United but he could no longer be a target to replace Ten Hag in the future. Instead, ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would be considered next in line for the role, according to the Daily Mail. READ MORE IN BOXINGThat is despite Tuchel already interviewing with Ratcliffe for the job this summer only for a deal to fall by the wayside. The pair met in Monaco but it is believed Ratcliffe deemed the German needed a break from football. Tuchel famously won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 before being sacked a year later. He then moved to Bayern Munich and won the Bundesliga in 2023 before leaving at the end of last season. Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel is still linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel is believed to fancy a move back to England for any suitable job in the Premier League. But as revealed by SunSport, he is also open to taking the England job. Right now, Graham Potter is favourite to succeed Southgate having not returned to management before being sacked by Chelsea last September. Erik ten Hag FA Cup similarities to Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1990 crown More

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      Chelsea release statement after Enzo Fernandez video sparked racism storm as club open investigation following outrage

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      CHELSEA have released a statement over Enzo Fernandez’s “racist” video.The midfielder is in hot water after live-streaming himself and Argentina teammates singing a vile song about the French national team.Chelsea have released a statement over Enzo Fernandez’s vile songCredit: ReutersThe midfielder filmed himself and Argentina teammates chanting about the French national teamThe video went out as a live-stream on social mediaHe has since issued a grovelling apology after a backlash from teammates.And Chelsea have now broken their silence while revealing they’ve opened an investigation into Fernandez’s antics.A statement read: “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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”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.”The sick footage emerged after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 to win successive Copa America trophies.The video showed Argentina players singing a racist song about the France team following their victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.Most read in FootballThe vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Appearing on live TV, some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola.”Copa America fans clamber into AIR VENTS as Argentina vs Colombia final descends into chaosFernandez issued a grovelling apology on social mediaWesley Fofana slammed Fernandez for ‘uninhibited racism’And they also targeted Kylian Mbappe with a transphobic chant amid reports surrounding his dating life.In the latest video, Chelsea star Fernandez and team-mates could be heard to sign the part about Angola.Fernandez filmed the footage on his phone via Instagram live, with the midfielder showing celebrations on the team bus.And seconds after the vile chant began, he switched the recording off.The song has reportedly angered Chelsea’s large French contingent, which includes Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi.Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu and Malang Sarr also hail from across the Channel.And defender Wesley Fofana blasted Fernandez in a social media post on Tuesday night.He said: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”Fernandez has since issued an apology, 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.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, French FA chiefs are threatening legal action against Argentina over the incident.A statement read: “Given the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to contact its Argentinian counterpart and Fifa directly to file a legal complaint for racist and discriminatory remarks.” More

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      Cole Palmer hits gym less than 48 hours after Euro 2024 final heartache as Chelsea star gets straight back to work

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer returned to work immediately after England’s Euro 2024 heartbreak.The Three Lions came close to their first major honour since 1966 on Sunday but lost 2-1 to Spain in the final.Chelsea star Cole Palmer hit the gym just 48 hours after England’s Euro 2024 heartbreakCredit: https://www.instagram.com/palmers_pt/Palmer is gearing up for a return to Chelsea amid their pre-season tourCredit: https://www.instagram.com/palmers_pt/Palmer scored for England in the Euro 2024 final against SpainCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, sent the whole nation wild with his stunning equaliser in Sunday’s showdown, only for Spain to nick it at the end.England stars were left gutted after yet another Euro heartbreak after losing to Italy on penalties last time out at Wembley in 2021.However, Palmer got back to work just 48 hours later as he hit the gym hard.The playmaker shared a story on Instagram showing him lifting weights.Read More on FootballThe Chelsea star worked on his triceps and biceps in his bid to get ready for pre-season.Palmer also issued the following caption along with the clip: “Straight back to it.”England fans insisted the ex-Manchester City star should have been part of Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up throughout the entire tournament.The forward played in five out of seven Euro 2024 matches and never started.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was despite his stunning season with Chelsea on his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge.Palmer amassed a staggering total of 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances.England footy ace Cole Palmer does his famous Cold CelebrationPalmer enjoyed a stunning maiden campaign at ChelseaAnd he now counts two goals in nine caps for England after the Euros.Chelsea kick of their pre-season next Thursday morning with a clash against Hollywood side Wrexham in the USA. More