Enzo Fernandez has apologised for posting a video showing him and his Argentina teammates using a racist chant after their Copa America win at the weekend.
Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final on Sunday, making it back-to-back victories in the competition having also won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
However, social media footage on Chelsea star Fernandez’s Instagram showed the Argentine squad chanting about the France international team.
The song references how many of France’s players are of African heritage, with a translated version being: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.”
Following criticism to the clip, he wrote on Instagram: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
Chelsea are investigating and released a statement.
“Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.
“The Club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
Meanwhile all of the club’s French players in Fofana, Axel Disassi, Benoit Badiashille, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku and Malang Sarr have unfollowed Fernandez on social media.
Fernandez, who will now be enjoying a post-season break before reporting back to Chelsea, was sharing a live video on Instagram when the vile chant was heard on the team bus before the footage was abruptly ended.
Amid the celebrations, no player could be identified by the footage over who was singing the chant.
8 Comments
Hahahaha, I’m not a racist, but this is so funny. What they chanted in the “hate song” is true, but politically (publicly)incorrect and unacceptable.
But we all know this is lip-service apology. You didn’t only enjoy the song and the euphoria; you posted it on social media. You knew it would gain traction quickly and reach its targets like missiles. None of those were reflex actions or done under influence.
And to think Argentina is about the only country in the world (maybe asides China) that doesn’t have a black citizen, let alone in their football team. Have never heard of a black Argentine before.
Anti-black sentiments is a culture there. Historically, they made sure they have no black gene. Folks, no matter what you do, never fall in love with an Argentine. Will never be approved.
You know what they say@ Kel; ‘ a lot of truth is said in jest’.
If you are a racist, tribalist, xenophobic etc. it is your right to be ignorant and hateful. But expect to face the heat that comes with such foolery when it’s exposed publicly. No matter his apologyy, Fernades has shown his true nature. It’s up to him to grow up or keep wallowing in his buffoonery. Whatever the case, it’s his problem.
For me there is no difference between racism, clanism and tribalism. These are all pieces from the same cloth. All driven by deliberate ignorance, gullibility, selfishness, false pride, and hate. It takes empathy, understanding and wisdom to grow beyond these viles. But alas, few have these qualities.
Alot of Nazis settled or ran to Argentina after the world war, so I’m not surprised that they are the most racist country in South America. Alot of these players are probably offsprings of those dead Nazis.
Without meaning to, Fernandez and his team mates were actually singing the praises of Africa.
Most European and North American countries now depend on African football exports to help them compete for silverware.
Canada, my adopted country, had their best outing ever in the just concluded Copa America because they had a record number of blacks in their team. They were about 60% black (infact the team looked more African than North American).
Instead of looking down on us, these Oyibos should be acknowledging our giftedness.
I feel like telling them to sharraap!
Doesn’t change the fact that Argentines are racist…. Your logic is a lil skewed if you don’t see the meaning behind this act. They just beat Colombia, but you go on some chant against a team you beat 2 years ago due to the skin color difference in the team. I live in Miami, and I have worked and done business with several South Americans, and I can confirm that a lot of Argentines are racista. Also, lot of South Americans will confirm to you that Argentina is the most racist country in the Americas.
@footballfanatic, first of all, my comment wasn’t meant to be a reply or response to yours. I must have mistakenly clicked the wrong button. If you read through my comment again, it doesn’t relate to what you wrote.
Secondly, I am not in any way disputing that the song was a racist song!!
I was only trying to point out the foolishness and naivety of the Argentines. The black race is actually a talented race that deserves commendation, not mockery.
Read through my comment again, this time with your reading glasses on.
Cheers.
The first sentence in the write up you misunderstood says, “WITHOUT
MEANING TO, Fernandez and his team mates were actually singing the praises of Africa…”
What does that tell you? It means that they wanted to be abusive, but ended up singing our praises.
There is nothing in that write up that suggests that I support Fenandeez and co…
I gotchu bro…….I understand what you meant.