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Former France captain Hugo Lloris has condemned a controversial song sung by some Argentina players, describing it as an “attack on French people” but expressing hope that it was a mistake from which the players involved will learn.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is facing potential sanctions after posting a video on social media that the French Football Federation claimed included “racist and discriminatory language.” FIFA is also investigating the video, in which several members of the Argentina squad celebrate their 1-0 Copa America final win over Colombia with a song originally sung by Argentina fans questioning the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players. Fernandez has since apologized on social media.
Lloris, France’s most capped player and their captain when they won the 2018 World Cup, was shocked by the behavior. “It doesn’t matter if you are in a moment of euphoria because you have won an important trophy,” he said. “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.”
Lloris, who signed for Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC in December, was in the United States as Argentina won the Copa America in Miami. He was on the losing side in the 2022 World Cup final, where France lost to Argentina on penalties.
“They [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,” Lloris said. “But when you win, you are an example for others, especially kids. It was a proper attack about the French people, especially for the French people who have some African origin and family.”
Calls for Stronger Action Against Racism in Football
Troy Townsend, former head of player engagement at anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, has questioned whether football is making progress in the fight against racism. He emphasized the need for the industry to prove a strong anti-discrimination stance. “I know the industry inside out and I felt it has not dealt with situations similar to this very well. I don’t see two steps forwards, I only see backwards,” Townsend told BBC Sport. “This is a moment the industry – whether it’s on a global scale through Fifa, in England through the FA and Chelsea – where it needs to show strength towards this zero tolerance approach we supposedly have towards racism and discrimination.”
Paul Canoville, Chelsea’s first black player, echoed the sentiment, stating there is “no room for discrimination” and offering to help in any “restorative process.” The Professional Footballers’ Association has also contacted Chelsea to offer assistance.
Defense and Apology
Former Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano defended Fernandez, stating that “everything has been taken out of context.” In an interview with Ole, Mascherano said, “If there is something that we Argentines are not, it is racists, far from it. If there is something that we are as a country, it is totally inclusive.” Mascherano added that Fernandez is a great guy with no issues related to racism, emphasizing the need to understand cultural differences.
Fernandez has been unfollowed on Instagram by several Chelsea teammates, indicating the backlash he faces within his club. Meanwhile, Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, launched a staunch defense of her country on social media, asserting that “no country will intimidate us.”
