The racism controversy surrounding Chelsea player Enzo Fernández after the Copa América final is far from over. Blues captain Reece James, who is currently with the team on their pre-season tour, says the incident has affected the unity of the dressing room but everyone wants to move forward.
Fernández is currently under investigation by FIFA and Chelsea. He will join his Chelsea teammates in the US next Monday for the start of their pre-season tour. Speaking to ESPN, Chelsea captain James expressed some concerns about the current state of the team.
James said: “It’s obviously affected the Chelsea dressing room and the unity we’ve got, and it’s probably a big problem for the team because everyone’s uncomfortable. I don’t know where the end of it is unless everyone sits down at one point and sorts it out. I just hope it can be resolved so we can get on with our preparations for the season.”
James, who is finally back in training after a season plagued by injuries, revealed he has spoken to Fernández: “I spoke to him for a bit, but it’s difficult to have a conversation because we’re in different time zones. But it was just a normal conversation really, he told me his side of what happened and he tried to explain his situation and how it happened.”
“I think it’s a difficult situation at the moment, there’s no place for racism or discrimination in football. Enzo quickly put his hand up and admitted he was wrong and apologized to his teammates, the club, and everyone else who was offended. I think in that situation, that’s probably the best way to handle it.”
James hopes his Chelsea teammates can move forward from the Fernández incident, saying: “It’s obviously a very difficult situation and we’ll have to make a judgment once he’s back in. I hope that everyone can come to a consensus and we can move on from it.”
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