“You need to be more humble” - Ex-Chelsea star Mikel hits out at Enzo Fernandez and Argentina teammates for racism row
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has hit out at Enzo Fernandez for singing racist chants with his Argentina teammates following their 2024 Copa America win. The Blues star has been widely criticized after videos of the vile chants circulated on social media.
Speaking on his podcast, Mikel said that being the champions, Argentina needed to be responsible and the chants spoilt the celebrations. He also highlighted that the Chelsea star was not alone in chant and said:
"The whole thing, it is very sensitive, and it always is when something like this happens. Everybody has their opinion when it comes to these issues. One thing I'll say about it is that I don't condole with such acts as a person or a player. Sometimes the adrenaline just takes over everything else. You've won the Copa America back to back, which is f***g amazing.
"But then still I don't condole that [type of behaviour]. When you're winning is actually when you need to be responsible. You need to be more humble and know that everything you do is being picked up. I don't think it was worth it. It just spoils the whole celebration and everything they've achieved."
He added:
"I don't think it was only him singing, everybody was. It was wrong, and it's not his place to say these kind of things. Everybody needs to know that some people are from different descents, but you're born in a different country in Europe or something.
"We don't know the stories of everybody. You can't judge somebody, you can't choose for somebody till you find out what the story of somebody's life is about. You're not allowed to talk about it [like that]. I understand in a certain way what was meant, but it's in the wrong context. You need to know everybody's story before you can judge. I definitely think it was wrong."
Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram, celebrating his national team's win in the 2024 Copa America on the team bus. The chants were caught during the stream and soon went viral on social media.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez apologised for his actions
Enzo Fernandez publicly apologized for singing the offensive chants. He claimed he did not intend to hurt anyone's feelings and that he stood against an and all forms of discrimination.
Enzo Maresca, the new Chelsea manager, accepted his apology and urged the players to move on from the situation. Club captain Reece James has also admitted that the issue was behind the squad.
Attakcker Noni Madueke was also recently asked about the issue and he said that the players were looking to welcome Enzo back to the Chelsea squad.