Chelsea Captain, Recce James admits that 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.
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.
The situation surrounding Fernandez, who cost the club more than £100m, is the first major challenge for new manager Enzo Maresca.
The ex-Leicester boss though believes the situation is already resolved after the Argentine chose to apologise.
Meawhile, Recce James also stated that….
“I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were on different time zones,”
“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…
Chelsea defender and France international Wesley Fofana called out the club’s record signing and criticised the “uninhibited racism” on show in the video, while a number of teammates have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
The 23-year-old, who apologised to his clubmates in a private video message, is set to link up with the squad next week for pre-season. Chelsea are conducting an internal investigation into the matter.
