Enzo Fernandez Shares Video of Argentina Players Chanting Racist Song About France After Copa America Victory
In the wake of Argentina’s hard-fought triumph in the Copa America, the celebrations that followed were tainted by controversy after a video shared by midfielder Enzo Fernandez surfaced on social media. The video, which quickly sparked outrage across the world, shows several Argentina players chanting a racist song about France during the post-match festivities. What was meant to be a moment of pride and unity for Argentina has instead turned into a significant scandal, drawing widespread condemnation and raising important questions about racism in sports.
Argentina’s Historic Copa America Victory
Argentina’s national football team had every reason to celebrate their victory in the Copa America final. It was a landmark achievement for the team and their talismanic captain Lionel Messi, who finally claimed an international title with his beloved national side. The match saw Argentina edge out their arch-rivals Brazil in a tense encounter that ended 1-0, with Angel Di Maria scoring the winning goal.
This victory was especially sweet for the Argentine squad, marking their first major international triumph since 1993. For Messi, in particular, the win cemented his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time, ending years of frustration at the international level. The celebrations were expected to be jubilant and joyous, as fans and players alike basked in the glory of their accomplishment.
However, what followed on social media after the win has cast a dark shadow over the team’s victory lap.
The Controversial Video
Shortly after the win, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, one of the rising stars of the team, shared a video on his social media accounts that captured some behind-the-scenes moments from the team’s dressing room celebrations. In the video, several Argentine players can be seen singing and dancing. At first glance, it appeared to be a typical post-match celebration filled with excitement and camaraderie.
However, as the video progressed, viewers were quick to notice something deeply troubling. The song that the players were chanting included derogatory and racist lyrics aimed at France, their European rivals. The chant in question not only insulted the French national team but also made explicit references to racial stereotypes, drawing attention to France’s ethnically diverse squad, which includes many players of African and Caribbean descent.
The lyrics of the chant, which were widely shared and translated on social media, made light of the racial and cultural makeup of France’s football team. For many, this was particularly offensive, as it evoked memories of the racist abuse that players of color, such as Kylian Mbappe and others, have faced in the past.
Immediate Backlash
The video was met with immediate backlash. Football fans, pundits, and anti-racism organizations were quick to condemn the content, calling it “deeply offensive” and “unacceptable in any context, especially in the realm of sports.” The fact that it was shared so casually by a prominent player like Fernandez only added to the outrage, as it suggested that such behavior was normalized or tolerated within the team.
Within hours of the video going viral, social media platforms were flooded with comments from fans expressing their disappointment and anger. Many French fans felt personally insulted, as did supporters of the many black and brown players on the French national team. The hashtag #SayNoToRacism began trending worldwide, with people calling for accountability not only from Enzo Fernandez but also from the entire Argentine Football Association (AFA).
“Racism has no place in football or anywhere else,” one social media user wrote. “It’s disgusting that this is happening right after such a major tournament. Argentina should be celebrating, not spreading hate.”
Anti-racism organizations, such as Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card, released official statements condemning the video. “This incident highlights the pervasive issue of racism in football, even at the highest levels,” the statement read. “Celebrating victory should never involve demeaning others based on their race or ethnicity. We call on FIFA, the AFA, and other relevant authorities to take appropriate action.”
Responses from Players and the AFA
In the wake of the growing controversy, Enzo Fernandez quickly deleted the video from his social media accounts. However, the damage had already been done. Screen recordings of the video continued to circulate online, and the public outcry showed no signs of slowing down.
Fernandez issued a public apology shortly thereafter, expressing regret for sharing the video. “I deeply regret posting that video and the hurt it has caused,” he said in a statement. “There was no intention to offend anyone, and I take full responsibility for my actions. I apologize to the French national team, their players, and all those who were affected by this.”
Despite Fernandez’s apology, many critics pointed out that the issue went beyond one player. The fact that several members of the Argentine squad were seen chanting along raised questions about the culture within the team and whether such behavior was condoned or encouraged behind closed doors.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also released a statement in response to the incident, emphasizing that they do not tolerate racism or discrimination in any form. “The AFA is committed to promoting respect and unity in football. The actions seen in the video shared by Enzo Fernandez do not reflect the values of our organization or our team,” the statement read. “We will be conducting an internal review and addressing this matter with the players involved.”
Broader Implications for Racism in Football
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about racism in football, a sport that has struggled with this issue for decades. While governing bodies like FIFA and UEFA have introduced campaigns to combat racism, incidents like this demonstrate that the problem persists at all levels of the game.
The French national team, which has been targeted for its diverse makeup on several occasions, has had to endure racist abuse both from fans and, on occasion, from fellow players. After France’s loss in the 2022 World Cup final, star player Kylian Mbappe was subjected to a barrage of racist comments on social media. The chant heard in the Argentina dressing room echoed many of the same sentiments.
Players, especially those from diverse backgrounds, have often spoken out about the emotional toll that such abuse takes on them. “It’s exhausting,” said one French player who asked to remain anonymous. “We work hard to represent our countries on the biggest stages, only to be reduced to our skin color or heritage.”
While the Argentina squad’s actions have been widely condemned, the incident has also highlighted the need for further education and awareness within the football community. Many have called for increased sensitivity training for players, as well as stricter punishments for those who engage in racist behavior.
Conclusion
What should have been a moment of pure joy for Argentina and its fans has been overshadowed by a troubling display of racism within the team’s ranks. While Enzo Fernandez has apologized and the AFA has promised to address the issue, the incident has sparked an important and necessary conversation about the ongoing challenges of combating racism in football.
As the world of football grapples with this latest controversy, it is a reminder that the fight against racism is far from over. The actions taken in the coming weeks, both by the AFA and the players involved, will be crucial in determining how seriously the football community takes its responsibility to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all players, regardless of their background.