Manchester United have reportedly distanced themselves from a shocking video shared by Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, in which the Argentina players are seen taking part in a chant described by the French Football Federation as “racist and discriminatory.”
Argentina recently beat Colombia 1-0 to retain their Copa America title.
A goal from Lautaro Martinez was enough to secure the trophy for the Albiceleste. However, celebrations were marred when Chelsea’s Fernandez via a live Instagram video from the team bus, shared scenes of him and some of his international teammates engaging in chants that included racist and homophobic slurs.
The song in particular seemed to target the French national team, whom they beat in the final of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.
As mentioned by talkSPORT, the song references a section of France’s players who have African heritage. The song’s translation is as follows: “They play for France, but their parents are from Angola. Their mother is from Cameroon, while their father is from Nigeria. But their passport says French.”
Fernandez’s actions and those of his teammates have sparked fury and backlash, with the FFF in particular promising to file a complaint.
Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposted the video on social media with the caption “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”
According to Steven Railston of The Manchester Evening News, United have distanced themselves from the vile incident.
United were of course represented in Argentina’s Copa America squad by Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro Martinez.
Railston states, “Garnacho is not seen in the footage, Martinez appears to be spotted – he is not chanting and his presence needs to be verified – and a club source said there isn’t evidence of either player being involved.”
“United have said there is no evidence of Garnacho or Martinez singing the chant on the team bus and have suggested it is a matter for the Argentinian FA.”
“They were also asked whether the club would contact both United players for clarity on the situation.”
Chelsea released a statement acknowledging Fernandez’s public apology and insisting they have “instigated an internal disciplinary procedure” against the midfielder.
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