Enzo Fernandez Shared a Racist Video from Argentina’s Copa America Victory
On Sunday, Argentina secured their record-breaking 16th Copa America title after Lautaro Martinez’s dramatic late goal earned them a 3-0 extra-time victory over Colombia. As the team celebrated on their bus, Enzo Fernandez shared a video of them singing a racial chant about France and their player Kylian Mbappe. Yes, you read that correctly – racial chant.
What’s Going on?
The video shows Fernandez recording his teammates on the bus, chanting what seems to be a racial song that’s just as transphobic as it is hurtful. Someone later instructs Fernandez to stop recording, and the video abruptly cuts off. Now, we don’t usually cover social media shenanigans, but when racism and ignorance are involved, we take notice. Not only because it’s offensive to those on the receiving end but also because it sets a toxic example for future generations.
Breaking Down the Video
It’s crucial to address this head-on, not only to hold people accountable but also to discuss how deep-seated prejudices run. For those unfamiliar with the chant, the lyrics target France, labeling all their players as ‘Angolans’ (incorrectly attributing nationality based on ancestral heritage), followed by homophobic and racial remarks. These insults not only discredit Mbappe’s football abilities but also make him and millions of Africans a target of prejudice. Unsurprisingly, no comments from the Argentine Federation have been released addressing this abhorrent content.
Is this an Outlier Incident?
The match itself, though thrilling for Argentine fans, was marred by an hour’s delay due to fan chaos outside the stadium. This disturbing scenario serves as a reminder of how soccer should not only celebrate success but also confront societal problems like xenophobia, homophobia, and sexism. Lionel Messi’s nasty ankle injury will keep fans glued to updates about his future for the upcoming World Cup, but more important than football news is an open, honest dialogue around the real world’s most pressing issues.
Get Involved and Hold Others Accountable
If there’s anything football can teach us, it’s that, at its heart, the sport has an incredible power to inspire unity. Not only does football transcend languages, cultures, and faiths but it also encourages athletes like Mbappe to become international figures and human rights ambassadors.
This disturbing racial chant shared by Enzo Fernandez might feel like a remote incident to many, but if you’re still with me, let this serve as a poignant reminder of the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of influencers and role models.
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