"Land of asylum for former Nazis" - Ex-Chelsea star Demba Ba slams Argentina after video of alleged racist chant after Copa America surfaces
Former Chelsea forward Demba Ba has slammed members of the Argentina national team after Enzo Fernandez shared an Instagram Live video of them singing racist chants on the team bus. La Albiceleste won the Copa America at the Hard Rock Cafe, beating Colombia 1-0 deep into extra time.
They left the stadium on the team bus, with celebrations ongoing as the Argentina players sang songs. Events took a rather shocking turn live on video, as they switched to a racist chant that took aim at the African heritage of French players.
The South American nation notably beat the French in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The players' actions have been outrightly condemned by different quarters, with the French Football Federation threatening legal moves. Enzo Fernandez, who had been recording the video, could be dealt sanctions as he returns to Chelsea for the pre-season. The club have also condemned the video, while his French teammate Wesley Fofana termed it uninhibited racism.
Now, Demba Ba has also criticized the Argentina national team's actions on the bus. The former Chelsea player posted on X:
"Argentina, land of asylum for former Nazis on the run. From 1945, Peron hosted war criminals. – Liberation. And it surprises you…"
Enzo Fernandez has since apologized, noting that there 'is absolutely no excuse for these words' (via GOAL). He also added that the Instagram Live video was not a reflection of his character or beliefs.
Argentina teammate backs Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez
While Enzo Fernandez has seen a strong backlash to the video he livestreamed, he has been backed by others. Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has recently clarified that the song was not sung with bad intentions.
The Argentina explained on radio station Urbana Play (via ESPN):
"We know Enzo, we know he would never do it with bad intention. It's more of a chant that stuck and it's more in a mocking tone than anything else. The most important thing is that Enzo apologised and we have to give value to that.
"The reality is that here we are not a racist country. We are not accustomed to talking about racism. It's an important topic. You have to be careful with what one does and one says, especially in Europe because it's more sensitive there."
Enzo Fernandez will be hoping that the situation does not severely affect the Chelsea dressing room, which has a notable contingent of black French players.