Argentina Players, Including Enzo Fernández, Face Backlash Over Racist Chant During Copa America Celebration
Enzo Fernández and other Argentina players find themselves in hot water following a racist chant during their Copa America celebration.
After Monday morning’s triumph in the Copa America final against Colombia, a joyous mood engulfed the Argentina camp as the players sang and chanted. However, a video posted by Chelsea star Enzo Fernández on his social media platform revealed some racist chants directed at African French players.
The video has caused an uproar within the global football community, with major federations and players condemning the incident. This comes at a time when the world is united in the campaign to end racism in football, under the slogan “No Room for Racism.”
The anger has extended to Chelsea’s dressing room, with several Chelsea players, especially those affiliated with French football, unfollow Enzo Fernández on Instagram. The quartet of Benoît Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, and Malo Gusto all reacted to the post. It remains to be seen how this will impact Chelsea’s dressing room ahead of the new campaign under their new manager.
In response to the outrage from the wider football community, Enzo Fernández posted an apology that read, “I apologize for being caught up in the euphoria of the Copa America celebration.” Chelsea Football Club also issued a statement asserting that no form of racism is tolerated within the club. They mentioned that Fernández’s apology would be used to educate the public, but internal disciplinary actions would be taken.
While the public apology may have mitigated some of the backlash, it remains to be seen what actions the English football governing body and FIFA will take with investigation ongoing.especially with the French Football Federation already writing to FIFA about the incident. With a call made to clubs of all players to take disciplinary actions against and educate them.
