Premier League issue statement as Chelsea launch investigation into video involving Enzo Fernandez and his Argentina teammates

The Premier League have backed Chelsea's investigation into Enzo Fernandez and Argentina players' 'racist' chant that he streamed on his Instagram Live. The Blues midfielder has been heavily condemned for his role in the singing on a team bus post-Copa America.

The Premier League stated on X (formerly Twitter):

"The Premier League and our clubs are committed to tackling all forms of discrimination. We are in contact with Chelsea Football Club and we will continue to support clubs, players and staff in taking action against discriminatory abuse. #NoRoomForRacism."

Enzo Fernandez celebrated La Abiceleste's Copa America triumph by recording the team's celebrations in a bus. A controversial chant ensued that took aim at France and mocked their players of African descent.

Chelsea has opened an 'internal disciplinary procedure' into the matter, which occurred after the Copa America final. FIFA is also investigating the chant with other Premier League players, such as Emiliano Martinez and Julian Alvarez, present and singing.

The incident sparked major backlash from Black and mixed-race French players at Stamford Bridge. In the aftermath of the video, Fernandez was unfollowed by 10 of his club teammates.

Fernandez released a statement on social media apologizing for his actions. He claimed he got 'caught up in the euphoria of Copa America celebrations.

---

"We are not a racist country" - Alexis Mac Allister comes to Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez's defense

Alexis Mac Allister weighed in on the controversy regarding Enzo Fernandez's clip of the Argentina team singing a 'racist' chant. He was adamant that his country wasn't racist while he defended the Chelsea midfielder by alluding to his apology. He told Argentinian outlet Ole:

"The reality is that we are not a racist country; we are not used to talking about racism so much. Yes, it’s a very important topic, obviously. Enzo has already apologized and explained what happened. I don’t think there’s much more to say."

The saga has taken the gloss of Argentina's Copa America triumph, which secured their second trophy in as many years. They cruised to glory in the United States and beat Colombia 1-0 in the final thanks to Lautaro Martinez's 112th-minute goal in extra time.

The world champions have had issues with France since the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. They celebrated their final win over Les Bleus with a bus parade in Buenos Aires, and Emiliano Martinez held a doll with a crying Kylian Mbappe face.