Sports News of Friday, 19 July 2024
Source: goal.com
Hugo Lloris says Argentina's "euphoria" at winning the Copa America does not excuse their discriminatory chants against the French.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is facing disciplinary action after posting a video on social media that included alleged "racist and discriminatory language", according to the French Football Federation. Amid the fallout of this episode, which followed Argentina beating Colombia 1-0 to win the Copa America, former France goalkeeper Lloris said this was a "proper attack" on the French people.
Lloris, now playing for LAFC, told BBC Sport: "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. 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."
He added: "[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 on the French people, especially for the French people who have some African origin and family."
While Fernandez has since issued an apology, his Chelsea teammates are said to be 'very angry' at his actions. The French Football Federation are considering legal action and FIFA is understood to be investigating the video, where multiple Argentine players sang a song questioning the heritage of France's black and mixed-race players. This is another ugly episode in the fight against racism.
Fernandez was subsequently unfollowed on Instagram by Chelsea team-mates Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile and more, including Wesley Fofana, who posted the video on social media and wrote: "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism". It remains to be seen if Chelsea will sanction the Argentine.