Reece James admits the racism storm surrounding Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez could be a “problem” within the dressing room.
Fernandez and his Argentina team-mates caused controversy during their Copa America celebrations, when they were filmed singing a derogatory song aimed at a number of France players.
While Chelsea’s club-record signing has apologised, he was called out by Blues team-mate and France international Wesley Fofana who said the video showed “uninhibited racism”.
An internal investigation is under way, with Fernandez due to meet up with his Chelsea colleagues on Monday as their pre-season preparations continue in the United States.
Asked if the issue could impact on team spirit at Stamford Bridge, James told ESPN: “Of course.
“There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem.
“But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”
England full-back James, who is back in training after an injury-hit campaign last year, revealed he has already had a conversation with Fernandez.
“I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time zones,” he added.
“Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.
“It’s a really difficult situation. There’s no room for racism or discrimination in football.
“I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended. I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”
Sky Sports News reported FIFA had begun an investigation into the incident and looked to speak to Fernandez.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”
Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, reacted by posting on social media: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic.
“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 by everyone involved in this sport.”
Maresca: No problem with Fernandez’s return after racism allegations
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says there won’t be “any kind of problem” when Fernandez joins their pre-season tour amid ongoing disciplinary proceedings into alleged racism.
“I think it’s quite easy in terms of the player gave a statement, apologised and the club did the same so I don’t think there is something to add in terms of this situation. It’s already clear and clarified,” said Maresca.
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Enzo Maresca is very excited to be the new Chelsea manager but feels everyone at the club needs to help create the right culture so that they can be successful
“In the end, they are all human beings. I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them. I don’t think that when Enzo is back we will have any kind of problem. The player already clarified the situation. The club did the same so there is nothing to add.
“And, once again, they are not bad persons or bad human beings. It can happen. I don’t think there is any problem at all. I spoke with all of them, but the player already did a statement, apologised, so it’s quite clear.”
Fernandez: I am truly sorry
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Enzo Fernandez has publicly apologised after posting a video of the Argentina squad that the French Football Federation says includes alleged ‘racist and discriminatory’ chanting
The statements from Chelsea and FIFA came after Fernandez said he was “truly sorry” for the video.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” the 23-year-old 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.”
French Football Federation to file legal complaint
The French Football Federation said it would file a legal complaint alleging “racially offensive and discriminatory remarks” were made by Argentina players.
In a statement, the FFF – the governing body of French football – said its president Philippe Diallo would challenge FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Association boss Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the alleged remarks.
The statement read: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks which were made against the players of the French team in the context of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team after its victory in the Copa America and broadcast in a video on social media.
“Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, and to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.”
Argentina beat France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final, a match around which some fans of the Argentina team were heard singing discriminatory songs.