"There’s malice in this" - Argentina star calls out Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea teammates for their social media activity after recent video incident
Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul shared his thoughts about Enzo Fernandez posting a video on social media of him and some of his Argentina teammates chanting a racist and transphobic song aimed at the France national team. He believes it was pointless for Enzo's Chelsea teammates to unfollow him after he shared the video which was taken during their Copa America celebrations.
Speaking via the streaming channel OLGA, the Atletico Madrid star said it is malicious to unfollow Enzo when the problem could be solved through personal interaction.
"I understand that people who have suffered from racism might not like it. But I think if any of Enzo's teammates feel offended, the way is to call him, not post it on social media. I think there’s malice in this; they’re trying to make it something it’s not. It’s very strange, like kicking someone when they’re down," De Paul said.
"Unfollowing him seems pointless to me. You can call him and say, ‘This isn’t okay, why don’t you post a message apologizing?’ And the issue ends there," he added.
De Paul's statements come after three of Enzo Fernandez's Chelsea teammates, Wesley Fofana, Male Gusto and Axel Dissasi, all of whom are part of the French team, reportedly unfollowed the star after the controversial video came to light.
Chelsea officially issued a statement condemning the midfielder's participation in the racist chants. Enzo Fernandez also publicly apologized for the same his via Instagram handle.
Argentina veteran Javier Mascherano defends Enzo Fernandez over racism controversy
In a press conference held after Enzo's video came to light, former Argentina defender Javier Mascherano opened up about the controversy surrounding the Argentine players and citizens.
Mascherano defended his compatriots and believes the video was taken out of context.
"If there’s one thing we Argentines are not, it’s racist or anything of the sort. I believe everything has been taken out of context. If there’s one thing we are as a country, it’s totally inclusive. In Argentina, people from all over the world live here, and we treat them as they should be treated," Mascherano said. (Via All About Argentina on X)
The defender also took a stand for Enzo Fernandez and said he knows the player personally.
"I know Enzo, he’s a great guy and has no issues with this. What happens is that often during a celebration, a part of a video can be taken and used out of context," the defender said.
"We need to understand the culture of each country and know that sometimes what we perceive as a joke can be misinterpreted elsewhere. Enzo also made it known on social media that he apologized. Sometimes people try to make things much bigger than they are," he added.
Multiple French players, including Jules Kounde and Hugo Lloris, criticized Fernandez's video and called him out for the derogatory remarks. The French Football Federation also issued a statement warning the Argentina FA that they would be sued for the players' actions.