The Ivory Coast forward David Datro Fofana has stood strongly against racism in the matter of Argentina players chanting racist insults oriented at French black players.
David Datro Fofana whose teammate Fernandez (at Chelsea) posted the video on social media, urged action by everyone in football in the “fight” against racism.
“The football that I like is multi-ethnic,” posted the Ivorian forward on Instagram.
“Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else.
“This fight really needs to be taken seriously be everyone in this sport.”
Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana (whose father is Ivorian), who has one cap for France, posted an image of the video on Instagram, describing it as “uninhibited racism”.
Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, meanwhile, said the video is “unacceptable”.
“We stand with and show our full support to Wesley Fofana after he responded publicly and brought it to wider attention,” it added.
Fernandez – a £107m British record signing in February 2023 – said he is “truly sorry” for the video he posted as Argentina celebrated winning the Copa America.
Fifa is also investigating the video, in which several members of the Argentina squad take part in a song originally sung by Argentina fans questioning the heritage of France’s black and mixed race players.
Chelsea have seven France players who are black or mixed race in their first-team squad – Fofana, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Malang Sarr.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” said Fernandez.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moments, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.”
A Chelsea statement read: “We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.
“The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
The FFF will contact the Argentine Football Association (AFA) about the live video posted on social media by Fernandez after Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on Sunday.
Avec BBC
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