Liverpool star Alexi Mac Allister has responded to the growing controversy surrounding Argentina's Copa America-winning squad.
Argentina defended their Copa title with a 1-0 final win over Colombia to win a third successive major title for Lionel Scaloni's team. However, the post-match reaction has been dominated by controversy, with La Albiceleste players accused of racism following a video posted on social media by Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
Argentina celebration controversy: Video chant captured after Copa America final
After Fernandez posted footage of Argentina's celebrations, following their Copa America win, his Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana reposted the video on X with the caption, "Football in 2024: uninhibited racism."
It is claimed in the celebration video that Argentina's players made references to the family heritage of France's players, while alleged homophobic and transphobic slurs are also heard.
Fofana's stance has been supported by the French Football Federation (FFF) who condemned the incident and claimed the recording involved "racially offensive and discriminatory remarks".
The chants and remarks are believed to stem from the World Cup 2022 final, in which Argentina beat France on penalties.
Both Chelsea and the Premier League have confirmed they have launched investigations into the matter with an update expected from FIFA imminently.
Enzo Fernandez's apology in racism row
Following the widespread criticism of the video, Fernandez posted an apology on Instagram.
"I want to apologize sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I'm truly sorry."
What has Alexis Mac Allister said on Argentina racism controversy?
Mac Allister was reportedly not amongst the players on board the team coach with Fernandez, but the former Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker has had his say.
"You have to be careful with what you say or do, especially in Europe, where they are much more sensitive than here (in Argentina)" he said, as per an interview with Urbana Play FM.
🗨️ Alexis Mac Allister: "En Europa es mucho más sensible que acá. No somos un país racista. Sí es un tópico muy importante. Enzo ya pidió las disculpas y explicó lo que pasó (...) Lo conocemos a Enzo, sabemos que nunca lo haría con mala intención". pic.twitter.com/xFQhWFYt3i
— Todo Pasa (@todopasa1043) July 18, 2024
"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 apologized and explained what happened. We know Enzo, and he would never do it with bad intentions, he’s not that guy, he’s not racist.
"It’s just a chant that got stuck and is more of a mocking tone than anything else."
Argentina could face a punishment by either FIFA of CONMEBOL if the matter is taken further, despite Fernandez's apology for the incident.
Both players will now head off on a delayed summer break with Mac Allister not expected to be involved in Liverpool's preseason tour of the USA following his Copa America involvement.
