Rich Glaesl/Icon Sportswire/AP
Enzo Fernandes has apologised for the racist slogan.
CNN
—
The fallout from the racist chants of Enzo Fernández and the Argentina national team has been compounded by the sacking of Argentina's Undersecretary of Sport and what former France captain Hugo Lloris called “an attack on the French people.”
Fernandez apologised earlier this week for a video he posted on Instagram from the team bus after winning the Copa America, saying it “does not reflect my beliefs or my character”. His club Chelsea have launched an internal disciplinary investigation and the French Football Federation has filed legal action.
Argentina's Undersecretary of Sports Julio Gallo said on Argentine radio that national team captain Lionel Messi and Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia should apologise.
In response, the country's President Javier Milley fired Gallo.
“The President's Office informs us that no government can give any comment or idea to the Argentine national team, world champions and two-time champions of the Americas, or tell any other citizen what to do,” Millay wrote on X on Thursday.
“For this reason, Julio Gallo will step down as Undersecretary of State for Sports.”
However, Gallo later “categorically denied” having asked Messi for an apology.
“It's a lack of respect for those who will forever look up to us as people and as sportsmen,” he wrote to X.
Neither Messi nor Tapia have commented publicly about the incident.
In another post, Gallo thanked Millay for welcoming him as part of the team.
“I am very sorry if my words caused offense to anyone. That was never my intention, which is why I have offered my resignation. However, I will always stand against discrimination in all forms,” he wrote.
The country's Vice-President, Victoria Villarroel, also blasted Fernandez's critics.
Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters
Argentine President Javier Milley has fired the country's deputy sports minister.
“Colonial nations will not threaten us because of songs sung on the pitch or because we speak truths we do not want to acknowledge,” she wrote to X. “Hypocrites, stop feigning indignation. Enzo, I am rooting for you. Messi, thank you for everything! Argentinians always hold their heads high! Long live Argentina!”
But Lloris, who was France's goalkeeper and captain against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, was scathing in his criticism of Fernandez and the Argentina national team.
In his apology, Fernandes said he was “in the midst of excitement” but Lloris insisted that was no excuse.
“It doesn't matter if you're basking in the euphoria of winning an important trophy,” he told the BBC. “Winners demand even greater responsibility. This is not something we want to hear or see in football. We are all against discrimination and racism.”
“I just think and hope it was a mistake, we all make mistakes sometimes and I hope they learn from it. [Argentina] They are now the face of football in South America and the world and should be hugely praised for what they have achieved on the field over the last four or five years.
“But if we win, it will set an example for others, especially for children. This was a justified attack on French people, especially French people of African descent or with African family members.”
Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba posted a quote from French media outlet Liberation on his X account, writing: “'Argentina is a haven for ex-Nazis in hiding. Since 1945, Peron has welcomed war criminals' – Liberation.”
He added: “And this will surprise you…”
