Argentina’s victory in the Copa America has been marred by controversy as midfielder Enzo Fernandez faces disciplinary action from Chelsea following a social media video that allegedly contained racist and discriminatory language.
The incident has prompted investigations by both FIFA and the French Football Federation, sparked by a celebratory song sung by members of the Argentina squad.
The song, originating from Argentina fans and questioning the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players, has drawn widespread condemnation globally and domestically. Javier Milei’s administration, known for its conservative stance, has expressed concerns over the incident, with under-secretary for sports Julio Garro calling for an apology from team captain Lionel Messi and FA president Claudio Tapia.
However, Garro’s comments led to his dismissal, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue within Argentina. The country’s fan culture, often celebrated for its passion and songs, has also been criticized for instances of racist behaviour, including gestures directed at opponents from Brazil during continental club competitions.
The use of derogatory chants and gestures has long been a point of contention, with sporadic attempts by Argentine clubs to address the issue labelled as insufficient by critics who argue for a more proactive stance against racism. Despite Argentina’s multicultural and multinational squad, incidents like these underscore ongoing challenges in fostering inclusive fan behaviour and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds within the sport.
The fallout from the Copa America celebrations serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding race relations in Argentina and the need for continued efforts to promote tolerance and respect both on and off the field.
