De Paul suggests Fofana acted with ‘malice’ against Chelsea team-mate Fernandez

Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has questioned why Wesley Fofana went public in his criticism of Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez as the race row showed no sign of abating this morning.

Fernandez apologised after posting a video on social media showing the Argentina players singing a song that questioned the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players following the Copa America final win over Colombia on Sunday.

FIFA have launched an investigation, as have Chelsea, with Fofana describing the video as “uninhibited racism” in a post on X.

De Paul claimed there was “malice” in Fofana’s actions and said he should have messaged Fernandez privately.

The Atletico Madrid man told the Sone que volaba programme: “I think there’s a place. And if any of Enzo’s team-mates feels offended the way is to call him, not put it on social networks.

“There is a bit of malice there, or wanting to put Enzo in a place that has nothing to do with him.”

He added: “It’s like making firewood from a fallen tree.

“You call him and ask ‘what happened?’. These are people you see in the locker room all the time.

“You call him and say “look, we feel offended. Why don’t you put a message out apologising?’ And the subject is cut off there. I don’t understand why there is so much show.”

Early trouble for Maresca

The issue is an unwanted distraction for new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as it is believed Chelsea’s other French players are equally unhappy with Fernandez.

There have been repercussions in Argentina as well with the country’s sports minister Julio Garro sacked by president Javier Millei for suggesting Lionel Messi should apologise for the squad’s actions.

Messi, who is undergoing treatment for an ankle injury sustained against Colombia, has yet to comment.