Reece James admits the racism storm surrounding Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez may very well be a “downside” within the dressing room.
Fernandez and his Argentina team-mates induced controversy throughout Copa America celebrations after they had been filmed singing a derogatory music aimed toward some French gamers.
Whereas Chelsea’s document signing has apologized, his Blues team-mate and France worldwide Wesley Fofana criticized him, saying the video confirmed “unchecked racism”.
An inner investigation is ongoing and Fernandes will meet along with his Chelsea colleagues on Monday as their pre-season preparations proceed in the USA.
James spoke to Fernandes forward of his look in Chelsea’s pre-season sport on Monday
When requested if the problem would have an effect on crew spirit at Stamford Bridge, James informed ESPN: “actually.
“When one thing goes improper, there’s at all times one thing that makes folks uncomfortable.
“However till in the future everybody will get collectively and is in the identical room, I do not know, however I hope issues work out and we are able to transfer ahead with the season.”
England defender James, who returned to coaching after harm final yr, revealed he has spoken to Fernandes.
“I chatted with him for some time, nevertheless it was tough as a result of we had been in several time zones,” he added.
“Actually only a common chat. His model of what occurred, him making an attempt to elucidate his state of affairs and the way it occurred.
“It is a very tough state of affairs. There is no such thing as a place for racism or discrimination in soccer.
“I believe he shortly put his fingers up and admitted he was improper and apologized to his teammates, the membership and anybody else who was offended. I believe that was in all probability the perfect factor he might do within the state of affairs. .”
sky sports activities information FIFA has reportedly opened an investigation into the incident and desires to talk to Fernandez.
A FIFA spokesman mentioned: “FIFA strongly condemns any type of discrimination by anybody, together with gamers, followers and officers.”
Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, who was on mortgage at Burnley for the second half of final season, responded by posting on social media: “The soccer I like is multiracial.
“Racism in all its kinds ought to be condemned within the strongest potential phrases. Such habits has no place in soccer or certainly anyplace else.”
“It is a combat that basically must be taken severely by everybody concerned within the sport.”
Maresca: Fernandez no downside returning after racism accusations
Chelsea supervisor Enzo Maresca mentioned there can be “no issues” with Fernandes participating in pre-season amid disciplinary motion over alleged racism.
“I believe it is easy, the participant made an announcement, apologized and the membership did the identical factor, so I believe there’s nothing so as to add on this case. It is already clear,” Maresca mentioned.
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Enzo Maresca is delighted to be Chelsea’s new supervisor however believes everybody on the membership wants to assist create the fitting tradition to allow them to succeed
“On the finish of the day, they’re all human beings. I do not assume any of them have any ailing intentions. I do not assume we can have any issues when Enzo comes again. The participant has clarified that the membership has performed the identical factor, so there may be nothing Replenishable.
“Once more, they are not dangerous folks, they are not dangerous folks. It could occur. I do not assume there’s any downside in any respect. I’ve spoken to all of them, however the gamers have made statements, apologized, in order that’s clear. “
Fernandez: I am actually sorry
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Enzo Fernandez publicly apologized after posting a video of the Argentina crew that the French Soccer Federation mentioned contained what it known as “racist and discriminatory” slogans
Forward of statements from Chelsea and FIFA, Fernandes mentioned he was “very sorry” for the video.
“This music incorporates extremely offensive language and there may be completely no excuse for these phrases,” the 23-year-old mentioned.
“I stand towards all types of discrimination and apologize for getting caught up within the pleasure of the America’s Cup celebrations.
“That video, that second, these phrases don’t replicate my beliefs or my character.
“I am actually sorry.”
French Soccer Federation launches authorized motion
The French Soccer Federation mentioned it might launch authorized proceedings accusing Argentinian gamers of constructing “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks”.
French soccer governing physique FFF mentioned in an announcement that its president Philippe Diallo would ask FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentinian Soccer Affiliation president Claudio Fabian Tapia to answer the remarks. reply.
The assertion learn: “Philippe Diallo, President of the French Soccer Federation, condemns within the strongest potential phrases the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made towards French gamers in a music sung by their gamers and supporters. Argentina within the Americas After profitable the Cup, he posted a video on social media.
“Going through the seriousness of those surprising remarks that go towards the values of sport and human rights, the FFF President determined to instantly problem the President of Argentina and FIFA and provoke authorized proceedings towards insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature. “
Some Argentina followers had been heard singing discriminatory songs throughout the 2022 World Cup ultimate as Argentina beat France on penalties.
