Sent by Copilot
Enzo Fernandez, the Chelsea midfielder and Argentina international, has issued a heartfelt apology after facing backlash for participating in a racist song during Argentina’s Copa America celebrations. The incident occurred shortly after their victory against Colombia in the final.
The Controversial Chant
Fernandez went live on Instagram, where he was seen chanting offensive lyrics about French players. The song questioned the heritage of the French team, insinuating that their passports and families were from Africa. The video quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread criticism.
Immediate Backlash
France international and Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate, Wesley Fofana, reposted the footage, branding it as “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.” In the video, Argentina’s players allegedly made references to the family lineage of France players and included derogatory homophobic and transphobic remarks.
French Football Federation Takes Action
The French Football Federation (FFF) swiftly condemned the remarks, calling them “unacceptable” and “contrary to the values of sport and human rights.” FFF President Philippe Diallo directly challenged his Argentinian counterpart and FIFA, filing a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racist and discriminatory nature.
Teammates and Fallout
Fofana and Fernandez have been teammates at Chelsea for the past 18 months. While Fofana was not involved in the 2022 World Cup final, tensions between France and Argentina escalated after Emiliano Martinez’s targeting of Kylian Mbappe. Other French players, including Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, have unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
Fernandez’s Apology
Enzo Fernandez took to social media to express his regret and apologize for his actions: “I want to apologize sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”
The fallout from this incident continues, and Fernandez is likely to face disciplinary action. As we await further developments, it serves as a stark reminder that racism has no place in football.
Sources:
