Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has spoken out in defense of his Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez, who is currently under investigation by Chelsea and FIFA for a controversial video. The incident has sparked significant backlash and tension within Chelsea’s squad.
Mac Allister’s Remarks
In an interview with Argentina’s Urbana Play FM, Mac Allister addressed the situation, urging caution in how actions and words are perceived, especially in Europe. He stated, “You have to be careful with what you say or do. Especially in Europe where they are much more sensitive than here. The reality is that we are not a racist country; we are not used to talking about racism so much.”
Mac Allister further defended Fernandez, saying, “Enzo has already apologized and explained what happened. I don’t think there’s much more to say. We know Enzo, we know he would never do it with bad intentions, he’s not that guy, he’s not racist.”
The Incident and Investigation
The controversy began when Fernandez posted a video after Argentina’s Copa America victory. The video showed Fernandez and his teammates singing a song that the French Football Federation has branded as “abusive” and “discriminatory.” Fernandez quickly issued an apology on social media, but the video has led to investigations by both Chelsea and FIFA.
Reaction from Chelsea Players
The video has caused a significant rift within the Chelsea dressing room. Players such as Wesley Fofana have labeled the chant as “unabashed racism,” and David Datro Fofana has also condemned the video. These reactions have reportedly thrown Chelsea’s pre-season preparations into disarray, creating a challenging atmosphere for the team.
Fernandez’s Status
Despite the ongoing controversy, Fernandez is currently taking a break following his efforts in helping Argentina defend their Copa America title. He is not due to return to Chelsea immediately, providing a temporary respite from the ongoing disciplinary proceedings and team tensions.
The controversy surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s video has highlighted the cultural sensitivities and challenges in international football. While Alexis Mac Allister’s defense emphasizes Fernandez’s character and intentions, the incident has undeniably caused significant turmoil within Chelsea. As investigations continue, the club will need to address the internal discord and find a path forward before the new Premier League season kicks off.