Nicolas Jackson has posted a cryptic picture on Instagram in the wake of Enzo Fernandez’s racist video controversy.
Chelsea are investigating a video shared by Fernandez on Instagram which the French Football Federation has accused of being racist.
In a live video following Argentina's Copa America victory, the 23-year-old midfielder appeared to show him and his teammates chanting a racist and transphobic song about the French team as they celebrated.
The French Football Federation said it would file a complaint, while Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana re-shared the video on social media with the caption "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism".
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Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, Chelsea released a statement saying it has begun a "disciplinary procedure".
However, fans on social media have interpreted Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson’s Instagram activity to be in support of Fernandez, once the Blues’ record signing.
Jackson posted a picture on his Instagram story where he is sitting alongside the midfielder, before sharing a clip that has circulated across social media of Fernandez enthusiastically playing with a young Chelsea fan of colour.
SPORTbible has contacted Jackson for clarification of the above.
On Tuesday night Fernandez apologised in a post on social media.
"The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," the player said.
"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
"That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry."
Hours later, Chelsea said in a statement: "Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.
"We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
"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."
Topics: Chelsea, Racism, Enzo Fernandez
Chris Byfield