Enzo Fernandez 'impresses Chelsea bosses with gesture' as midfielder apologises following racism storm
Enzo Fernandez has impressed Chelsea bosses by offering to make a contribution to an anti-discrimination charity
PA
Enzo Fernandez has impressed Chelsea bosses by offering to make a contribution to an anti-discrimination charity, according to reports.
The midfielder, who cost the Blues a massive £106.8million upon arriving from Benfica back in the January transfer window of 2022, is currently in the United States with the rest of his team-mates.
Fernandez recently found himself in the midst of a racism storm after uploading a video to his Instagram page of Argentina players chanting after their Copa America win.
Members of the successful squad could be heard singing a derogatory song aimed at a number of France players.
Enzo Fernandez has impressed Chelsea bosses by offering to make a contribution to an anti-discrimination charity
PA
Fernandez, according to the Daily Mail, 'voluntarily offered to make a contribution to an anti-discrimination charity in recognition of his misjudgement'.
And this gesture has impressed Chelsea chiefs, who won't be taking any action against the midfielder.
Fernandez immediately apologises to his team-mates in person after landing in Atlanta on Monday.
He has reportedly been in 'constant contact' with players ever since the racism row ignited and is now set to work with new head coach Enzo Maresca, who recently replaced Mauricio Pochettino.
Wesley Fofana, Fernandez's team-mate, said the video was 'uninhibited racism'.
Fofana is one of six Frenchmen on Chelsea's tour of the US along with Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku.
Both Reece James and Disasi 'have been two of the lead figures in the consultation process' in the rest of the Blues' squad.
James, speaking on Friday, admitted he was hoping for the matter to be resolved.
"Of course," he said when asked if the incident could dent dressing room morale.
"There's always the factor where it doesn't sit right with people when there could be a problem.
"But until the day comes where everyone's together and in a room together, I don't know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season."
James also admitted to speaking with Fernandez, who 'put his hand up and acknowledged he'd done wrong'.
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Enzo Fernandez has apologised to his Chelsea team-mates after the recent racism storm
"I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time zones," he added.
"Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.
"It's a really difficult situation. There's no room for racism or discrimination in football.
"I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he'd done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended.
Enzo Fernandez is set to start work under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
REUTERS
"I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation."
Chelsea are next in action against Club America on Thursday.
They will begin their Premier League campaign with a tough clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on August 18.
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