Reece James has admitted the racist abuse surrounding Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandes could become a “problem” in the dressing room.
Fernandez and his Argentina teammates caused controversy after a video emerged showing them singing an insulting song targeting several French players during Copa America celebrations.
Chelsea's record signing has apologised, but Chelsea team-mate and France international Wesley Fofana has condemned the video as showing “indiscriminate racism”.
An internal investigation is currently underway and Fernandes is due to meet with his Chelsea team-mates in the United States on Monday as they prepare for pre-season.
James spoke to Fernandes ahead of the midfielder joining Chelsea on their pre-season tour on Monday.
Asked whether the issue could affect team spirit at Stamford Bridge, James replied: ESPEN: “of course.
“Whenever there's a problem, people tend not to like it.
“But until that day comes when everyone is together and in one room, I don't know, but hopefully everything will work out and we can continue with the season.”
England full-back James, who is back in training after struggling with injury last year, revealed he has already spoken to Fernandes.
“I talked to him a little bit, but it was difficult because we were in different time zones,” he added.
“It's just a normal conversation, really. Trying to explain his perspective on what happened and his situation and how it happened.
“It's a really difficult situation. There is no room for racism or discrimination in football.
“I think he quickly put his hand up, admitted his mistake and apologised to his team-mates, the club and anyone else who was offended. I think that was the best he could have done in that situation.”
Sky Sports News It has been reported that FIFA has launched an investigation into the incident and is seeking to speak to Fernandes.
“FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination, including against players, fans and officials,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
Chelsea striker David Dartrow Fofana, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, said on social media: “The kind of football I like is multi-ethnic football.
“Any form of racism must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It has no place in football or anywhere else.
“This fight is one that everyone involved in the sport must take seriously.”
Maresca: No problem with Fernandez return after racism allegations
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has said there would be “no problems” with Fernandes joining the club for their pre-season tour, amid disciplinary proceedings over racism allegations.
“I don't think there's anything more to say about this situation because the player has issued a statement and apologized, and so has the club. It's already been made clear and unequivocal,” Maresca said.
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Enzo Maresca is delighted to be the new Chelsea manager but believes he must help create the right culture for everyone at the club to succeed.
“In the end, they are all human. I don't think any of them have any bad intentions. I don't think there will be any problems when Enzo returns. The player has already made the situation clear. The club has as well, so I have nothing more to add.
“And again, they're not bad people or bad human beings. It happens. I don't think there's a problem at all. I've talked to all of them, but the player has already made a statement and apologized, so it's very clear.”
Fernandez: I'm so sorry.
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Enzo Fernandez has publicly apologised after the French Football Federation posted a video of Argentina players which it claimed contained 'racist and discriminatory' chants.
Chelsea and FIFA issued statements after Fernandes said he “sincerely apologised” for the footage.
“This song contains extremely offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for that language,” the 23-year-old said.
“I stand against discrimination in all its forms and I apologize for being caught up in the excitement of the Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moment, those words do not reflect my beliefs or my character.
“I am really sorry.”
French Football Federation files legal action
The French Football Federation has announced it will take legal action against Argentina players for making “racially offensive and discriminatory comments”.
French football's governing body, the FFF, said in a statement that its president Philippe Diallo would ask FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Argentina Football Federation President Claudio Fabian Tapia to respond to the remarks.
The statement read: “The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, strongly condemns the unacceptable racist and discriminatory comments directed at France players in songs and social media videos sung by players and supporters following Argentina's victory in the Copa America.
“Faced with the gravity of these shocking statements, which go against the values of sport and human rights, the FFF President has decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterparts and FIFA and file a legal complaint for the racist and discriminatory insults.”
Argentina beat France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final, during which some Argentine fans were heard singing a racist song.
