Lloris Condemns Racism Row as Fernandez Faces Sanctions from Chelsea
Image Credit: The Telegraph
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is under scrutiny after a controversial video emerged, allegedly containing “racist and discriminatory language,” according to the French Football Federation. The video, which was posted on social media, features members of the Argentina squad celebrating their 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final. The song in question, originally sung by Argentina fans, questions the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players. Both the Premier League club and FIFA are investigating the incident.
Fernandez has since issued an apology on social media. The controversy has drawn widespread criticism, including from France’s most capped player and former national team captain Hugo Lloris. Lloris, who led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, expressed his shock and disappointment over the behavior exhibited in the video.
Lloris, now playing for Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC, emphasized the importance of responsibility, especially after winning significant trophies. “It doesn’t matter if you are in a moment of euphoria because you have won an important trophy,” he stated. “It demands even more responsibility when you are a winner. You don’t want to hear or see this kind of thing in football. We all stand against discrimination and racism.” Reflecting on the incident, Lloris added, “I just think and hope it is a mistake. We all make mistakes sometimes and hopefully, they will learn from it.” Lloris was notably on the losing side in the 2022 World Cup final, where France was defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout.
Former Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano defended Fernandez, arguing that the situation had been taken out of context. Speaking to Ole, Mascherano, who earned 147 caps for Argentina, said, “If there is something that we Argentines are not, it is racists, far from it. If there is something that we are as a country, it is totally inclusive. In Argentina, people from all over the world live and we treat them as they should be treated.” Despite the defense, Fernandez has faced backlash from his Chelsea teammates. Several players, including Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, David Datro Fofana, Romeo Lavia, and Malo Gusto, have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram. Mascherano, now managing Argentina’s Under-23 team, continued to support Fernandez, emphasizing his character. “I know Enzo. He’s a great guy and he has no problem with that. You have to understand the culture of each country and know that sometimes what we perceive as a joke can be misinterpreted in other places.”
The incident has also sparked reactions from political figures. Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s vice-president, defended her country on social media, stating, “No country will intimidate us.” This strong stance underscores the national pride and defensive posture taken by Argentine officials in light of the controversy.
The incident involving Fernandez is not just an isolated case but part of a broader conversation about racism and discrimination in football. The sport has long struggled with these issues, and high-profile incidents often bring renewed focus and urgency to the need for change. Lloris’s comments highlight the responsibility that comes with success. “They [Argentina] are the face of football right now, in South America, in the world. They deserve a lot of credit for what they have done on the field for the last four or five years,” he said. “But when you win, you are an example for others, especially kids. It was a proper attack about the French people, especially for the French people who have some African origin and family.”
As investigations by Chelsea and FIFA continue, the football community awaits the outcomes and potential sanctions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in sports and the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding. Football clubs and governing bodies are increasingly taking a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination. The hope is that through education, accountability, and solidarity, incidents like these will become less frequent.
Latest News Today: The Fernandez controversy is a pivotal moment for the sport, highlighting the necessity for ongoing efforts to combat racism and promote inclusivity. As the football world watches closely, the responses from clubs, players, and governing bodies will be critical in shaping the future of the game.
Fernandez’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain as the club and FIFA conclude their investigations. His apology is a first step, but the repercussions of his actions will likely extend beyond immediate disciplinary measures. The incident underscores the importance of role models in sports and the high standards to which they are held.
This episode is a call to action for everyone involved in football – from players and coaches to fans and officials – to continue striving for a sport free from discrimination. It also serves as a reminder that words and actions, even in moments of celebration, have significant impacts and consequences.
As reported by the BBC in their recent article
