Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel has backed Enzo Fernandez and the national football team as they face huge backlash after an alleged ‘racist chant’ celebration following 2024 Copa America title victory.
Argentina were seen celebrating inside the team bus by chanting ‘offensive’ and ‘derogatory’ chants directed towards the 2022 World Cup finalists France.
The video went viral after Fernandez went live on Instagram to share the celebrations with fans. However, Fernandez later apologised on social media, saying he had gotten “caught up in the euphoria of our celebrations.”
A lot of criticism has surrounded Fernandez but the Chelsea midfielder retains support from the vice president who said the chants tell the “truth they won’t admit”.
“No colonialist country is going to intimidate us for a song on the pitch or for telling the truths they don’t want to admit,” Villarruel posted on her account on X.
“Argentina is a sovereign and free country. We never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone.
“But neither will we tolerate that they do it to us … Enzo I support you, (Lionel) Messi, thanks for everything! Argentinians always hold your head up high,” she added.
Following the incident some Chelsea French players have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
However, Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson showed support for Fernandez.
1 Comment
They are not even hidding their racism anymire….Kinda extreme to sack a government official for saying that. Messi as a leader should have said something too.