Argentina emerged victorious in the Copa America, but their celebration was marred by controversy. Enzo Fernandez, a midfielder at Chelsea, is facing disciplinary actions after sharing a video on social media that contained alleged racist and discriminatory language according to the French Football Federation. FIFA is also looking into the matter.
The video showed members of the Argentina squad participating in a song that questioned the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players. The Argentine government has been quick to react to this issue. Despite Javier Milei’s administration having no inclination towards ‘woke’ ideals, Julio Garro, the under-secretary for sports, suggested that team captain Lionel Messi and FA president Claudio Tapia issue an apology for the offensive song. Garro was dismissed for his comments, while others have opposed the idea of an apology.
Unfortunately, instances of racism have plagued matches between Argentine and Brazilian clubs, with fans engaging in monkey gestures. These actions are often justified as ‘banter’ aimed at provoking opponents. However, such behavior is unacceptable and needs to be addressed as racism, not merely as xenophobia.
What makes this situation even more disheartening is that some players have also been involved in these actions. The majority of the Argentina squad is based in Europe, playing in diverse and multicultural teams. Their participation in such behavior is not only offensive to their black teammates and fans but also disrespectful to their own heritage.
Argentina has a rich cultural history influenced by African roots, evident in music genres like tango. Despite the country’s diminishing black population, the African influence is still prevalent in Argentine society. Terms like ‘el negro’ are often used without negative connotations, highlighting the lasting impact of African heritage in the region.
The prevalence of European immigrants in Argentina’s history was a result of racist ideologies that promoted a white labor force. This history underscores the importance of addressing racism in all its forms, including the recent incident involving the Argentina squad. The lyrics of the song sung by the players not only insulted their black counterparts but also disregarded their own diverse cultural background.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the football community to address and condemn all forms of racism. Players, fans, and officials must work together to create an inclusive and respectful environment within the sport. By acknowledging and learning from past mistakes, we can strive to promote unity and diversity in football and beyond.