Liverpool star Alexi Mac Allister has responded to the growing controversy surrounding Argentina’s Copa America-winning side.
Argentina defended their Copa del Rey title with a 1-0 final victory over Colombia to secure a third consecutive top-flight title for Lionel Scaloni’s side. However, the post-match reaction was dominated by controversy, with Albiceleste players accused of racism following a video posted on social media by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Controversy over Argentina’s celebration: video of chanting captured after Copa America final
After Fernandez posted footage of Argentina’s celebrations following their Copa America win, his Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposted the video on X-rated with the caption: “Football in 2024: Uninhibited racism.”
The video claims the Argentine players made references to the French players’ family heritage, while alleged homophobic and transphobic insults can also be heard.
Fofana’s stance was supported by the French Football Federation (FFF), which condemned the incident and said the recording included “racially offensive and discriminatory comments.”
The chants and comments are believed to have come from the 2022 World Cup final, in which Argentina beat France on penalties.
Both Chelsea and the Premier League have confirmed they have launched investigations into the matter and an update from FIFA is expected shortly.
Enzo Fernandez apologizes for racist controversy
Following widespread criticism of the video, Fernandez posted an apology on Instagram.
“I want to sincerely apologize for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes extremely offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for those words.
“I oppose discrimination in all its forms and I apologize for having been carried away by the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
What has Alexis Mac Allister said about the racism controversy in Argentina?
Mac Allister was reportedly not among the players who boarded the team bus with Fernandez, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion man has had his say.
“You have to be careful with what you say or do, especially in Europe, where they are much more sensitive than here (in Argentina),” he said, according to an interview with Urbana Play FM.
?️ Alexis Mac Allister: “In Europe it is much more sensitive than here. We are not a racist country. It is a very important topic. Enzo has already apologized and explained what happened (…) We know Enzo, we know that he would never do it with bad intentions.” image.twitter.com/xFQhWFYt3i
— Everything Passes (@todopasa1043) July 18, 2024
“We are not a racist country, we are not used to talking so much about racism. Yes, it is a very important issue, obviously.
“Enzo has apologized and explained what happened. We know Enzo and he would never do it with bad intentions, he’s not that guy, he’s not racist.
“It’s just a chant that got stuck and is more of a mocking tone than anything else.”
Argentina could face punishment from FIFA or CONMEBOL if the matter goes any further, despite Fernandez’s apologies for the incident.
Both players will now head off on a delayed summer break and Mac Allister is not expected to take part in Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the USA following their Copa America campaign.
