"Didn't even realize what he was singing" - Enzo Fernandez's father defends Chelsea star after video of him allegedly chanting racist song surfaces
Enzo Fernandez's father Raul Fernandez defended the Chelsea star after his recent controversy. A video of him singing a song aimed at the French national team received backlash on social media due to its alleged racist roots. Fernandez shared the Instagram live video on his account after Argentina won the 2024 Copa America on July 14.
As per quotes shared by All About Argentina on X, Raul Fernandez defended his son claiming he is not racist. He also mentioned that Europeans have misinterpreted the song as they don't understand their football culture.
"I know who my son is. He is not like that! He's not racist, never! It's hard for a European to understand our football culture like chants and celebrations. He recorded that live video at an inopportune moment. It was bad, he didn't even realize what he was singing,” he said.
The Chelsea midfielder's father also shared some instances where the Argentines were allegedly insulted. He mentioned incidents after they lost in the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and their 2018 World Cup exit to France.
"In 2014, when Germany beat us, they imitated how gauchos walk and called us ignorant. In 2018, France mocked Messi for his height. We never came out to say we were being discriminated against," he added.
The song sung by Fernandez and his teammates in the controversial video targeted the French national team players for their African roots. It also included allegedly transphobic connotations aimed at Kylian Mbappe.
The song was reportedly popularized after Argentina defeated France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar by the Albiceleste fans.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez issues public apology on social media following video backlash
Enzo Fernandez wrote a public apology on social media after receiving backlash for sharing the allegedly racist song during the Copa America celebrations. The midfielder stated there's no excuse for the language used in the derogatory chants.
"I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes highly offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," Enzo Fernandez wrote.
He also explained that he was caught up by the celebrations and did not intend to offend anyone.
"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in 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," he added.
Three of Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea teammates reportedly unfollowed him on Instagram after he shared the offensive video. Multiple French team players, including Jules Kounde and Hugo Lloris, also criticizes the video.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also issued a public apology for their player's involvement in the racist chants. They claimed they would take appropriate disciplinary action against the Argentine at the club. It remains to be seen whether Enzo Fernandez faces any legal action for the same.