Darren Bent: Regardless of Enzo’s Apologies, the Rift Between Him and His Chelsea Teammates Cannot Be Mended

After a video surfaced of Argentine player Enzo Fernández singing a song with alleged racist overtones during the Copa America victory celebrations, he was immediately thrust into controversy. Former Premier League player Darren Bent has commented that even if Enzo sincerely apologizes, his relationship with his French teammates at Chelsea will not be the same as before.

Following Argentina’s 1-0 win against Colombia in the Copa America final, Enzo filmed himself and some of his Argentine teammates singing this controversial song, which quickly went viral online. The lyrics roughly translate to: “Listen, they play in France, but they’re all from Angola, they run very fast, their mothers are Nigerian, their fathers are Cameroonian, but on their passports it says: French.” This video sparked significant reaction, including from his Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana, who, along with several others, expressed clear disapproval. Some teammates even unfollowed Enzo’s personal social media accounts as a result.

In response to the backlash, Enzo posted an apology video on his social media, saying: “This song contains highly offensive lyrics, there is absolutely no justification for such remarks. I oppose all forms of discrimination and apologize for my inappropriate behavior during the euphoria of the Copa America celebration. That video, that moment, those words do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”

As a person of color, former Premier League player Darren Bent also shared his thoughts, writing on social media: “The last time I commented on Enzo’s performance at Chelsea, I received vile messages containing racist language afterward, and I cannot express how bad it was. Regarding the song itself, I don’t think it does Enzo any good at all; before Fofana posted his questioning comments, I hope his Chelsea teammates would have asked Enzo directly, ‘What were you thinking?’ But regardless of whether he issues an apology or stands in front of the team to apologize, I don’t think they will ever look at him the same way again.”