Football fans on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have clashed over Argentina players singing an allegedly racist song about France players after winning the Copa America on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
In a viral video of the incident, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was seen singing the song on Instagram live during the team's celebration on the bus after defeating Colombia in the final.
The video has sparked widespread outrage among football fans, with some condemning the players' actions while others believe the song's lyrics do not contain racist slurs.
Those who found the song offensive criticised Enzo and the entire Argentina squad, calling for punishment from CONMEBOL and FIFA.
On the other hand, those who defended the song's content argued that the lyrics are no different from the concerns of the black community about black players abandoning their roots to play for European teams.
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez has apologised for the incident, acknowledging that the song contained "highly offensive language."
Chelsea Football Club have also denounced Enzo's actions and is reportedly investigating the incident after the club and France's defender Wesley Fofana spoke out against his teammate.
Check out the reactions of football fans below:
EE/MA
Wesley Fofana is in the right and Enzo Fernandez is in the wrong. You don’t just call out racism when it’s convenient. When it’s a burner account with 3 followers and a grey avi. You call it out when it’s those around you. Those with influence and reach. Those you considered…
— MAH (@matissearmani) July 16, 2024
Most of us have made mistakes and said stuff we didn't know was racism.
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) July 16, 2024
Don't be too quick to condemn people; it can be your turn tomorrow.
Would Enzo have posted the video if he was aware it would be perceived as racism by the public?
I don't think Enzo has shown any signs… pic.twitter.com/zG3ZjTqSzW
I can never defend Enzo Fernandez again, publicly making racist chants and laughing about it. There’s no apology that can redeem “racism” and I hope everyone understands this.
— Mod (@CFCMod_) July 16, 2024
Enzo Fernandez getting cancelled and called racist for saying Mbappe and most of France’s players are of African origin.
— Hassan™ (@HassCFC) July 16, 2024
Can someone please explain to me how that is racism? People are so sensitive these days man.
Dear @premierleague
— BRUNO FERNANDES COUSIN (@QueenMancunian) July 17, 2024
We have 1001 songs in the world but Enzo, a player from Chelsea decided to choose one about racism
Apology not accepted since we dnt entertain that in the premier league
Thank you 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/xNrPC4cSvT
Stating facts cannot be considered as racism. Stop with your nonsense! Many of the French players have one or both parents from Africa.
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) July 16, 2024
Where is the racism there? Those players should be ashamed of themselves. French, English, Belgium players etc
— $irdiq (@Sirdiq_) July 16, 2024
I don't see that as racism though.
— Frank The Writer 📚✍️ (@FrankWriter1) July 16, 2024
The black players should go back to their roots if they feel pained.
No racism there. Mourinho was right pic.twitter.com/F2paPMFkbS
— Macosta 🇰🇪 (@Macosta2547) July 16, 2024
These are facts 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/X3bR0Lvqh0
— Your Buyer On 𝕏 (@Mr_Mhere) July 16, 2024
Lol. I just see facts. Where's the racism in saying Mbappe is from Cameroon? Is he not? Tsuipppp
— Princess Luna 🇨🇲 🇬🇧 (@princessluna237) July 16, 2024
This is not racism, but real facts. We, as Africans, should face the reality that countries like France, the UK, and the USA have exploited African talents.
— BaShona. (@BaShonaBaShona) July 16, 2024
Wesley Fofana is now dealing with massive amounts of Racism for speaking out against Enzo Fernandez & Argentina
— CarefreeLewisG🇪🇹📸 #SURVIVEDPOCH (@CarefreeLewisG) July 16, 2024
We stand with you @Wesley_Fofana3 pic.twitter.com/A6OVMMecaK
I'm a nigerian and someone else calls me a nigerian, how is that racism?
— EYE-WITNESS (@EbereCFC) July 16, 2024
Enzo please enjoy the moment, you are a champion again. pic.twitter.com/lLHBxaq939
Everybody was hailing Mourinho when he said this
— Beno SarkCess (@BenopaOnyx1) July 16, 2024
What’s the difference between this and what Enzo did? Mmoa pic.twitter.com/Z7vo3FXvVV
The last time I spoke about Enzo fernandez and his performances for chelsea this is the reaction I got , and this isn't half of it #NoRoomForRacism pic.twitter.com/5X7fNIjblZ
— Darren Bent (@DarrenBent) July 17, 2024
What is the difference between this and what the Argentina players were singing about? pic.twitter.com/qk0wjtXIPs
— Thechoco_tribe (@Debbybruno3) July 16, 2024
Now that Enzo Fernandez has apologized, will the rest of the Argentina players in this video also apologize, or are we just going to overlook them? pic.twitter.com/Uvpmijx36V
— Korem (@Dagreatdey4you) July 17, 2024
This was the origin of the beef between Argentina and France national team
— Thechoco_tribe (@Debbybruno3) July 16, 2024
French players left Modric and started singing about Messi that left the World Cup in the Round of 16 pic.twitter.com/kB11E6SmmZ
