What should have been a moment of celebration for Argentina’s Copa America victory has devolved into a scandal that threatens to overshadow their triumph and disrupt Chelsea’s pre-season preparations. Enzo Fernandez finds himself at the center of the controversy after live-streaming a racist and transphobic chant directed at the French national team.
The Incident
Following Argentina’s victory over Colombia in the Copa America final, Fernandez and his teammates were seen celebrating on the team bus. In a now-infamous Instagram Live, Fernandez broadcasted his fellow players singing a derogatory chant targeting France. The chant included racist and transphobic remarks, specifically aimed at French players of African descent and Kylian Mbappe, referencing his association with transgender model Ines Rau.
Immediate Backlash
Fernandez has issued an apology for his role in the incident, but the damage seems to be irreversible. The reaction from Chelsea has been swift and severe. The club, which has a rich history of Black French players, including legends like Marcel Desailly and N’Golo Kante, now faces a challenging situation. Fernandez’s actions have not only angered his teammates but also put new head coach Enzo Maresca in a difficult position before the season even starts.
Team Reactions
The backlash from Fernandez’s teammates has been significant. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana, a Frenchman of Ivorian descent, publicly condemned Fernandez’s actions on social media, calling out the “unabashed racism” in the video. Striker David Datro Fofana also voiced his disapproval, stating that racism in all forms must be condemned.
Governing Bodies Respond
The French Football Federation (FFF) has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the incident. Philippe Diallo, President of the FFF, condemned the comments and decided to take legal action against the Argentine Football Association and FIFA. FIFA has acknowledged the incident and is currently investigating, reaffirming its strong stance against any form of discrimination in football.
The controversy surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s live-streamed chant has cast a dark shadow over Argentina’s Copa America victory and Chelsea’s upcoming season. The incident underscores the pervasive issue of racism and transphobia in football, highlighting the need for continuous efforts to combat discrimination in the sport. As investigations proceed and consequences unfold, the football community will be watching closely to see how this situation is resolved and what measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.