"You are an example for others, especially kids" - Hugo Lloris hits out at racist chants from Argentina players after their Copa America win
Former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has slammed Argentina players for making racist chants after winning Copa America 2024. La Albiceleste midfielder Enzo Fernandez was on Instagram Live, sharing celebratory scenes from the team bus, when the squad engaged in racist chanting.
These chants have their roots in Argentina's win over France in the 2022 World Cup final, but it was popularized by fans, rather than the players. However, the celebrations took a weird turn as the players on the team bus began the same chants after beating Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America final.
The chants mocked the African heritage of black players in the France national team, which has led to a stern reaction from the France Football Federation. It has also led to backlash from other quarters, with former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris slamming the Argentina squad. He said (via Daily Mail):
"They [Argentina] are the face of football right now, in South America, in the world. They deserve a lot of credit for what they have done on the field for the last four or five years. But when you win, you are an example for others, especially kids."
"It was a proper attack about the French people, especially for the French people who have some African origin and family. It doesn't matter if you are in a moment of euphoria because you have won an important trophy. It demands even more responsibility when you are a winner."
Lloris further asked La Albiceleste to learn from their mistake:
"You don't want to hear or see this kind of thing in football. We all stand against discrimination and racism. I just think and hope it is a mistake. We all make mistakes sometimes and hopefully they will learn from it."
The France Football Federation has made it clear in an official statement that they will be taking the matter up legally with FIFA and the Argentina FA.
Argentina legend comes out in support of Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has apologized for the Instagram Live video, which has since gone viral.
However, he has been defended by Javier Mascherano, who formerly played for the Argentina national team. In a conversation with Ole, he said (via Daily Mail):
"If there is something that we Argentines are not, it is racists, far from it... What happens is that many times during a celebration, a part of a video can be taken out of context... Enzo also made it known on social media that he was apologising. Sometimes people try to make things much bigger than they are."
Wesley Fofana, Enzo's French teammate at Chelsea, slammed the midfielder for what he termed "uninhibited racism". The club have also begun investigations in the matter.