A few days ago, Argentina was hit by a storm of racism triggered by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder, Enzo Fernandez. On Sunday, the Argentine national team became back-to-back champions of Copa America after a 1-0 win against Colombia. Enzo had uploaded a footage showing him and his teammates celebrating and singing offensive chants. These chants were aimed at the French players with an African family line. The song initially emerged prior to the World Cup final between Argentina and France. Much of its content is related to Kylian Mbappe’s dating life.
The incident had everyone on the Internet divided. Fans took to social media with many expressing their shock and disbelief. On the other hand, some questioned whether the Chelsea player was racist at all and the lyrics of the song was not really inaccurate. Enzo Fernandez is expected to join his Chelsea teammates on the U.S. pre-season tour later this month. The club will have a detailed conversation with the player to try and understand the situation.
Chelsea Players and FFF Reaction
A major contingent of Chelsea comprises of French players who remain angry with Enzo Fernandez. His teammate, Wesley Fofana, was quick to publicly criticise Enzo on social media. Chelsea forward, David Datro Fofana, also showed his contempt to the Albiceleste incident and encouraged people to stand against racism. Three other Chelsea players including Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana have unfollowed their Argentine teammate on social media.
The former Benfica player broke his silence by apologising for his actions and accepting the harm and ridicule he has caused to many. He admitted the song being highly offensive. He insisted that the heat of the celebration got the better of him and that moment does not reflect his true character.
Soon after, the Blues announced they would conduct a probe and take disciplinary action. The club further added that they do not support any form of discrimination and acknowledged Enzo’s public apology. The French Football Federation issued a statement condemning the incident. FFF President, Philippe Diallo, confirmed the Federation would take the issue up with FIFA by filing a legal complaint against their Argentine equivalent. The video’s bad picture quality made it hard to determine exactly which other Albiceleste players were present in the scene.
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Support Shown to Enzo Fernandez
Just as Enzo Fernandez was in the midst of facing severe backlash, some of his Chelsea and Argentina teammates jumped to his defence. Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson, insisted the Argentine not being a racist person and posted a wholesome clip of him playing with a black child.
Moises Caicedo posted two pictures of him with Enzo in training adding three emojis: a coloured fist, a heart and a white fist. Rodrigo De Paul expressed his disappointment with Wesley Fofana for his public criticism and said that he should reached out to his teammate privately. Two other compatriots, Leandro Paredes and Alexis MacAllister, denied any racist behaviour in the post-Copa America celebrations.
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