Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has defended his Argentina teammate Enzo Fernández amidst backlash over a video showing the Chelsea midfielder singing a discriminatory chant. Fernández issued an apology following the incident, which occurred after Argentina's victory over Colombia in the Copa América final.
The video depicted Fernández and other Argentina players singing an offensive song targeting France players of African heritage. Chelsea and FIFA have initiated investigations, with the French Football Federation planning to file a legal complaint over the remarks.
Mac Allister, who was not present in the video, emphasized that Fernández had apologized and clarified the situation. He asserted that Fernández's actions were not malicious and were more in a mocking tone. Mac Allister stressed the importance of acknowledging Fernández's apology.
Similar chants were reportedly heard from some Argentina fans before the 2022 World Cup final between France and Argentina, which Argentina won. Fernández's club teammates Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku expressed their displeasure over the incident.
Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul defended Fernández, suggesting that the situation was blown out of proportion. He highlighted the need for a more constructive approach if teammates felt offended.
Argentina's government took action by removing the undersecretary of sport for calling on Lionel Messi and the AFA president to apologize for the video. Mac Allister emphasized that Argentina is not a racist country and urged caution in discussing sensitive topics like racism.
He emphasized the importance of being mindful of actions and words, particularly in Europe where sensitivity towards such issues is higher.
