Sporting Equals condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the video that has emerged on social media of Chelsea and Argentinian footballer Enzo Fernández and some team mates singing a racist song. The lyrics belittle the lived experiences of the French footballers and their ancestors. The words question the authenticity of those players right to represent France.
We applaud Wesley Fofana, Fernández’s clubmate at Chelsea, who has challenged this behaviour. The easy thing for him to do would be to stay quiet. By publicly addressing this he has made it clear that this will not be tolerated and we hope that his club will support him and others at this difficult time.
While the incident took place following the Copa America final it is important to focus on the very recent positives closer to home. The UEFA Mens European Football Championships provided an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of participant countries. Following England’s success there were clear illustrations across social media of the positive impact that immigration has had on the national team. Actions such as those by members of the French national team, challenging the far right in press conferences, show that football is more united against racism. The ethnic diversity of the two finalists, England and Spain, proves that race equality and equity is a strength.
That said we must not shy away from calling out racism when we witness it.
Sporting Equals expects that Chelsea, The Premier League, The FA and FIFA will act swiftly and decisively on these sickening chants.
