Yahoo Sports Alexis Mac Allister weighs in on backlash to Enzo Fernandez's racist chant
The Argentina national team remains in the spotlight as the backlash following Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez's broadcasting of a racist chant continues.
The incident, shared widely on Instagram Live following Argentina's Copa America victory over Colombia, has drawn widespread condemnation.
In the video, Fernandez, 23, was seen smiling as he and his teammates sang a song featuring derogatory comments about the African heritage of French footballers, as well as transphobic lyrics.
The backlash was swift, prompting Chelsea to issue a statement condemning the behaviour. Among the critics was Fernandez's own teammate, Wesley Fofana, who has French and Ivorian heritage.
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Mac Allister speaks out
In the wake of this controversy, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has broken his silence.
Speaking to Argentinian publication Olé, the 25-year-old somewhat downplayed the incident, saying: "You have to take care with what you say, with what you do, especially in Europe where they are much more sensitive than here."
He continued, "The reality is that we are not a racist country; we are not used to talking about racism so much.
"Yes, it’s a very important topic, obviously. Enzo has already apologised and explained what happened. I don’t think there’s much more to say."
A cultural divide
Mac Allister's comments highlight a significant cultural divide, suggesting that there is a heightened sensitivity to racial issues in Europe compared to his native Argentina.
He defended his teammate's character, stating, "We know Enzo, we know he would never do it with bad intentions. It’s just a chant that stuck and is more of a mocking tone than anything else. But, as I said, you have to be very careful."
The Liverpool man’s remarks, while attempting to contextualise Fernandez's actions, also risk being seen as making light of the seriousness of the issue.
Despite Enzo's apology, the fallout continues, with Chelsea instigating "an internal disciplinary procedure" amid reports that several of his teammates, including Fofana, have unfollowed him on social media.
In this regard, Mac Allister backed his compatriot, emphasising the importance of his apology: "I think the most important thing is that Enzo came out, gave the relevant apologies, and that, in the end, must be valued."
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