Enzo Fernandez was paraded by his boyhood club River Plate on Sunday in celebration of his recent Copa America success with Argentina, but there was further controversy when the whole stadium appeared to sing the offensive song aimed at France and their black players.
The 23-year-old was present in the stadium as part of a celebration of the South American nation's recent tournament success, but has again found himself in an environment where the racist song was chanted.
The Chelsea star has been at the centre of a racism storm ever since Argentina's victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on Monday evening where he filmed celebrations on the team bus.
Furious criticism of his and Argentina's actions followed after his Instagram live video showed the team singing a discriminatory song aimed at France's black football players and their heritage.
Some of Fernandez's Chelsea team-mates were furious with the midfielder as Blues defender Wesley Fofana described the disgusting scenes as 'uninhibited racism', while others unfollowed the Argentine on social media in response.
Fernandez later apologised for his actions and the 'highly offensive' nature of the chant that was first made popular by a group of fans at the 2022 Qatar World Cup prior to the tournament final against France.
Argentina later went on to lift the title as Lionel Messi ended his wait for a World Cup crown, with Fernandez also part of the winning team while playing for Benfica at the time.
The vile chant has since been adopted by more Argentine crowds and evidently their players, with some of Fernandez's national colleagues since coming out to support him.
Chelsea also issued a statement where they condemned 'all forms of discriminatory behaviour' and are now conducting an investigation into events.
Meanwhile, Fernandez has travelled to his native homeland and was presented to the crowd before River Plate's Primera Divison clash against Lanus prior to the match.
The 23-year-old looked delighted as he donned a club shirt that was presented to him and showed his appreciation to various sections of the crowd.
However, videos on social media have now shown the entire stadium singing the chant that first thrust Fernandez into the current saga spotlight, with the Premier League star earlier posting a picture of his private seating area.
The translation of the song states: 'Listen, spread the word; They play in France, but they are all from Angola;
'How nice it is! They are going to run; They are 'cometravas'* like f***ing Mbappé;
'Their mom is Nigerian; Their dad, Cameroonian. But in the document ...Nationality: French.'
Fans inside the Estadio Mas Monumental can be heard singing along to the song and appear to be in celebratory spirits just moments before kick-off in the footage shared online.
Fernandez is still waiting to find out if he will face any punishment over his involvement with the Argentina national team's chanting at the start of the week.
Reports suggest he could face a ban of up to 12 matches for taking part in the racist and transphobic chant while on duty for Argentina, according to a top sports lawyer.
Former Tottenham and France national team goalkeeper was amongst those to condemn the song as he called it an 'attack on French people' and called on Argentina's players to 'learn from their mistakes'.
Peucikmo
0
that's why African countries will never win the world cup this guy just open your eyes man. no racist there
Peucikmo
0
it's the truth Africa is losing because of this western countries because they have money they take all the good talents of us
wukblmn
0
There needs to be a cap(number of multi internationals used),france is an European country not an African and how on earth would I tell a kid that majority of their population are white cos using >90% is not ok
wukblmn
0
it's nothing but the truth 😂😂😂😂 tho there is a bit of racis but the french people need to accept that 70% of the players are Africans
95%
Garp
1
Oh, I'm black, but you'll racist because call me black, i have black history, sing about fact, i felt black.. this is hurt 🤕 Please stop it, call me brown not black.. i still live in the past, My victims cards almost out.
Garp
0
I’m beginning to hate this guy. 🌗
stupid victims
Garp
0
i really hope FIFA takes strong actions on this,make an example with him and Argentina take away points from their world cup standings
for what stupid, he not wrong!!
Wenailpz
2
i really hope FIFA takes strong actions on this,make an example with him and Argentina take away points from their world cup standings
Bokakmpuyz
1
Why are people hypothetical...Mbappe spoke against a whole continent's soccer and people were mute. What the Argentine fans and players did is not right but we can't crucify them just because of their chants. Mbappe triggered this and it has served him right. France is not the only country parading black or other nationals...why the chants didn't target those countries...just think abt it...
Mappe didn't insult a color of a human.
sokcdlmsuz
0
If you are narrow minded, that's racism. But if you really look into the matter carefully, there's no fake or lies in the song.
you are right bro, I am from Asia country for me the native colors of the country doesn't affect my personality, God give us this color why be hypocrites we must accept what God gave us all human beings. I love black color and so other countries they like to stay under the heat of the sun to become black.
sipacmprst
1
there should ban him for some matches that's just the truth ... sorry for yourself bro 😔
Viydkmnruz
1
The English media will not let off!!! Hypocrites
MikaelGuerrer0
1
Argentina for you not scared at all 😅
W0linhO
0
who cares what you think 😂
Obviously u replying
W0linhO
0
Yeah we’re going to replace him with you
True, I am ready
hazabmpsuz
1
Enzo you will be reminded about you 😜
Vieeilmp
1
Let him remain there 👏👏👏
Fayabnosz
3
Why are people hypothetical...Mbappe spoke against a whole continent's soccer and people were mute. What the Argentine fans and players did is not right but we can't crucify them just because of their chants. Mbappe triggered this and it has served him right. France is not the only country parading black or other nationals...why the chants didn't target those countries...just think abt it...
habablrstu
1
can African origin players start to play for their countries and maintain club leagues wherever they are. This is a racist chant which is not good. But I also support these elite players to player for African countries and the games will become sweeter.
If you are narrow minded, that's racism. But if you really look into the matter carefully, there's no fake or lies in the song.
Yobdiknopz
1
d f it l
MogastyJn
0
what racism because what they are saying is the truth
Will you call your parents your parents again after they disowned you when you needed them ???
MogastyJn
0
I’m beginning to hate this guy. 🌗
ShaneDoe
0
So what are they going to? Sized he’s property like they did to former owner of the club? The same England fans that racists Rashford and Saka? What did the FA do to their people when that happened?
Let's just wait and see
Coheprstyz
0
Messi is a bad leader,he failed to call them to order, Messi is killing the beautiful game
Messi is not even present on the bus where the euphoria took place. Let's stop being bias all in the name of we trying to banter ourselves doesn't makes Us forget the fact that, there are principles, protocol each team must follow. Messi being a leader in their team doesn't gives him the right to interfere in their personal life. C'mon guys, they're adults. Messi won't say a word unless he's interviewed, watch out.. Football issa game of peace and I come in piece
ArsenalforeverRed
3
That what happened when you have a weakly as captain in ur international team
Football_Wiz25
2
Waiting to hear what excuses they will come up with now. Racist country and they just don’t care!!
Tiyabdksz
0
This is totally unacceptable from a player plying his trade for top club where many of his teammates are being targeted. Unless those are stupid, not everyone would let go and that can bring disunity into the group @Chelsea. Enzo & Argentina team should be banned ban FIFA. EPL organizers too should discipline all Argentines in EPL. The song is too offensive.
cry more
Siodeimuyz
6
How can you parade another clubs player like he’s your own …. Chelsea lawyers need to go learn how to sue
Jusimoruyz
6
Argentinians are racists. Even against other Hispanics. I know, I am Hispanic and have experienced their racism. The think of themselves are Europeans than Hispanic. Thus, they look down on all others.
Humbcknort
5
Racist flop
YohanesMoges
0
Messi is a bad leader,he failed to call them to order, Messi is killing the beautiful game
well said bro
jinaceiouy
5
If we are to look into history, Argentina should be the last to sing any racist song. Argentina is the only country under the sun to have successfully eliminated the blacks in it's territory through genocide.
akpovike
3
see foolish and senseless individuals here.the man has apologised because he knew what he did was wrong and some of you are saying,there is nothing wrong with the song. brain is far from some of you.
AFerLLur2274
0
Messi is a bad leader,he failed to call them to order, Messi is killing the beautiful game
Wtf are u talking about? Please take Messi name out of this🤦🏾♂️
Vacceklz
0
Messi is a bad leader,he failed to call them to order, Messi is killing the beautiful game
Okay
rupaemops
5
Messi is a bad leader,he failed to call them to order, Messi is killing the beautiful game
Ubong12
6
This was why i said Messi (although wasn't involved in this) has a role to play here, he's worshipped more than Enzo and him putting an end to all of this will be subsequently effective, His silence is one of the reason why the Argentine thinks they're right Messi hasn't still said anything, He should pronounce a full stop and all will listen,
Dohilnorsz
0
[image]
You think this is a play station?😂
Suubiprtuy
1
racists! racists!
temailmty
5
some of our own black people are supporting this Argentina's song on black french players if they were really right what they sang as some of you claim then why the whites stays at there own soil and survive but they ll come to Africa and still everything we have but same some hypocrites ll support what ever they do bcuz they like a player or a team
Vanclmrty
0
As for now France is directly proportional to Africa🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤏🤏
Tompani
1
I think the FA in England will not take this chant lightly because it also affects the English national team by implication. England also has many players of African origin and when the Argentinian president came out and referred to the French as colonialists, I got the feeling that this is something the English FA will not take lightly
So what are they going to? Sized he’s property like they did to former owner of the club? The same England fans that racists Rashford and Saka? What did the FA do to their people when that happened?
Allfootball1995
0
And some foolish ppl are here defending Argentina?? Doesn’t this show that they know what they are doing??
Cameldo fan spotted
Allfootball1995
6
If you are narrow minded, that's racism. But if you really look into the matter carefully, there's no fake or lies in the song.
Tompani
0
And as this thing are going on Argentina captain Lionel Messi has never come out to caution his fans or address the issue. So I concluded that Lionel Messi is also a racist.
[image]
Do you feel better now?
Tompani
0
I don't think he will play for Chelsea, he might return or go to Saudi. European football is becoming insufferable
Yeah we’re going to replace him with you
kutikst
0
To me I did not see any offense in that song chant, and they are even saying the truth self Let them come and play in their native land not somebody else's 😐
Zip it 🤫
tayabdmnrs
0
all the black people go and sleep 😴 you are too noise
you're probably black too
AlwaysSoccer
0
I found these things very interesting, from Argentina National Team to a whole 🏟️.... it's the truth after all. Those offended can go and f**k themselves. We move...💪🦾
Well said👏🏿👏🏿
Koabdoptuy
5
Thank God I now understood the song, to me, I don't really see anything insulting here, because if you go down to history, you'll find out that all those blacks in France are from Africa, that been brought to France by slavery or nationality... so why are they angry, the name called Ugochukwu, is it franch name, he an igbo man from Nigeria, chukwuemeka playing for Chelsea, seeing as England player is igbo from Nigeria, so many Nigerian players playing in some European countries are from Nigeria, Africa..