Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is in hot water after posting a video on social media that appears to show him engaging in a racist chant.
The 23-year-old Argentine player shared the video after his country’s Copa America victory, but it has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from the football community.
According to sports lawyer Udo Onwere, Fernandez could face a 12-match ban and a hefty fine for his actions.
Onwere suggests that Chelsea will likely focus on the financial implications of the situation, but the FA may get involved and impose a ban.
Fernandez has apologized for his actions, but the damage has already been done. His Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana has labeled the chant as “unabashed racism,” and the French Football Federation has also condemned the video.
This incident is not the first time a high-profile footballer has been involved in a racism scandal.
In 2011, Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
The fallout from Fernandez’s actions continues to grow, with Chelsea initiating disciplinary proceedings against their most expensive signing.
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about racism in football and the need for players to be held accountable for their actions.
In a related development, Argentina’s vice president has sent a message to Fernandez amid the racism saga, urging him to apologize and learn from his mistakes.
As the investigation into Fernandez’s actions continues, one thing is clear: racism has no place in football, and players who engage in such behavior must face the consequences.