The Argentine national football team is in a difficult situation after the celebration of the Copa America trophy which they secured last night on Monday. After the match, there was naturally a big celebration reminiscent of the well-known party after the World Cup trophy. But several have taken notice of an Instagram broadcast that was started by Chelsea player Enzo Fernández on the players’ bus. There, the Argentine players sang about their French final opponents from the World Cup in 2022. What they sing is accused of being both discriminatory and racist. WINNERS: Argentina won the Copa America for the second time in a row. Photo: MEGAN BRIGGS / AFP The song’s content is based on the fact that several of the players on the French national team have roots from African countries. – The President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, strongly condemns the unacceptable racist and discriminatory statements that have been directed at the players of the French national team in a song performed by players and supporters of the Argentine team after their victory in the Copa America, and which was shared in a video on social media, the French Football Federation wrote in a press release on Tuesday evening. Investigation started The Spanish newspaper Marca writes that this is one of several songs that were made during the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Even then the organization SOS Racisme went out against Fifa and wanted Fifa to take action. STAR: Enzo Fernández was named the tournament’s best young player in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Photo: HANNAH MCKAY / Reuters On Wednesday morning, AFP reports that Fifa is investigating the matter. Kasper Wikestad, commentator in Viaplay, says that players copying the songs of the fans is common, but in this case it is totally unacceptable. – Racism is something that must be fought by everyone every single day. It’s disappointing to see that bus sing the way they did. This is not an incident that should only affect the players who are affected. It should affect everyone, says Wikestad to news. Enzo Fernández himself took to Instagram on Tuesday evening and apologized. APOLOGY: Taken from Enzo Fernández’s Instagram story. Photo: Screenshot from Instagram – I would like to sincerely apologize for a video that was published on my Instagram account during the celebration (of the Copa America victory). The song contains very offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse. I am against all forms of discrimination, and I want to say sorry for being swept up in the euphoria, Fernandez writes, before concluding: – That video, that moment and those words do not reflect me as a person. I am sincerely sorry. The team-mates react Following the Instagram broadcast, there have been several reactions, including from Fernandez’s team-mate Wesley Fofana. He spares no expense and condemns his club mate. – Football in 2024: Racism without inhibitions, writes Fofana on X and shares a video that was recorded from Fernandez’s Instagram broadcast. HARD OUT: This is how Wesley Fofana reacts to his teammate’s behaviour. Photo: Screenshot / X/Twitter Fofana, like his French teammates Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto in Chelsea, followed Fernandéz on Instagram after the incident. Chelsea also made a statement on their website on Wednesday morning, in which they “dissociate themselves from all forms of discriminatory behaviour”. It is not long until the new Premier Leauge season starts in mid-August, and these days the teams gather again after the holidays to start the run-up. Wikestad has commented on the Premier League for a number of years and is clear that this is not ideal for Chelsea. – It is extremely difficult. It is a big challenge. Chelsea have been quick to take action. I also think that Chelsea has had a hand in the apology to Enzo, says Wikestad and continues: – It is a multicultural and multi-ethnic group of players, who must be able to work together. TEAMMATES: Here are Enzo Fernández (left) and Wesley Fofana (centre). Photo: TONY OBRIEN / Reuters Wikestad points out that this case concerns more than Fernandez and Chelsea. – This applies to everyone who sings, says Wikestad. There are several players who apparently sing along to the song being accused of being racist, but it is unclear who. The Argentine Football Association has not commented on the matter. Published 17.07.2024, at 12.17 Updated 17.07.2024, at 12.31
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