2 months ago
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The head coach of Argentina’s Olympic football team, Javier Mascherano, has argued that Chelsea’s star, Enzo Fernandez and his country are not racist.
Recall that Enzo Fernandez and the Argentina national team have been subjected to a series of backlash over a viral video showing the squad singing racial and discriminatory chants against the France national team.
The chant which Argentine players sang while celebrating their triumph in the 2024 Copa America described France’s national team as a side filled with players from Africa.
After the discriminatory remark went viral, the France Football Federation (FFF) charged Argentina to court and the world football governing body, FIFA, said the body is investigating the incident.
Also, Chelsea have issued a statement to confirm their decision to discipline Fernandez for taking part in the chant, even though the midfielder has apologized via a statement on Instagram.
But Mascherano, who is preparing his team for the 2024 Olympics, told reporters on Wednesday that the chant was “taken out of context.”
“Argentines, if there’s one thing we’re not, it’s racists, far from that,” Mascherano said.
“I know Enzo, he’s a great guy. He doesn’t have any problems like that. Often, as part of a celebration, you can take part in a video and take it out of context.
“If there’s one thing we are as a country, it’s an inclusive country. People from all over the world live in Argentina and we treat them as they should be treated.”
He added: “Sometimes you have to understand the culture of each country, and sometimes what we perceive as a joke can be misinterpreted elsewhere.
“Enzo also made it known on social media that he apologised. Sometimes people try to make things much bigger than they are.”
English (US) ·