HomePremier LeagueReece James makes Enzo Fernandez admission ahead of Chelsea return

Reece James makes Enzo Fernandez admission ahead of Chelsea return

Reece James has admitted that the racism controversy surrounding Enzo Fernandez could cause a “problem” for the Chelsea team.ย 

The midfielder live streamed the Argentina squad’s celebrations on the team bus after winning the Copa America, during which players sang a derogatory song aimed at a number of France players.

Chelsea defender and France international Wesley Fofana called out the club’s record signing and criticised the “uninhibited racism” on show in the video, while a number of teammates have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.

The 23-year-old, who apologised to his clubmates in a private video message, is set to link up with the squad next week for pre-season. Chelsea are conducting an internal investigation into the matter.

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โ€œOf course,” James told ESPN when asked if the issue could affect team spirit. “Thereโ€™s always the factor where it doesnโ€™t sit right with people when there could be a problem.

โ€œBut until the day comes where everyoneโ€™s together and in a room together, I donโ€™t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.โ€

James confirmed that he has had a conversation with Fernandez over the incident.

โ€œI spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time zones,” he said. โ€œJust a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.

โ€œItโ€™s a really difficult situation. Thereโ€™s no room for racism or discrimination in football. I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged heโ€™d done wrong and apologised to his teammates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended. I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.โ€

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Ste McGovern
Ste McGovernhttps://bsky.app/profile/stemcgovern.bsky.social
Freelance football writer with bylines for The Football Faithful, Manchester Evening News, BirminghamLive, MARCA, Balls.ie and the Nottingham Post.
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