Teamwork makes the dream work

Mac Allister backs Enzo Fernández amid Argentina racism saga

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Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has mentioned Argentina teammate Enzo Fernández is dealing with undeserved backlash for the video that exhibits the Chelsea midfielder singing a discriminatory chant.

Fernández apologised this week after he posted a video on Instagram following his group’s 1-0 win over Colombia within the Copa América closing that confirmed him and different Argentina gamers singing an offensive track that singled out France gamers of African heritage.

Chelsea and FIFA have opened an investigation into the incident after the French Soccer Federation (FFF) introduced it might file a authorized grievance over “racist and discriminatory remarks” made by Fernández and his Argentina teammates.

Mac Allister, who doesn’t seem on the video, advised Argentinian radio station Urbana play: “Enzo has already apologised, and he defined what occurred. There’s nothing extra so as to add.

“We all know Enzo, we all know he would by no means do it with dangerous intention. It is extra of a chant that caught and it is extra in a mocking tone than anything. Crucial factor is that Enzo apologised and we have now to present worth to that.”

The identical chants — by some Argentina followers — emerged earlier than France and Argentina met within the 2022 World Cup closing, which Argentina received.

Fernández’s membership teammates Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku of France have each expressed their discontent.

Argentina worldwide Rodrigo de Paul feels Fernández is being unfairly focused.

“It occurs that one does not analyse pitch songs,” the Atletico Madrid midfielder mentioned.

“I can perceive people who have suffered racism and all of that, do not prefer it. However there are methods. If Enzo’s [club] teammates felt offended, the way in which to do it’s to name him to not put in on social media. I feel there’s a little bit of malice or to place Enzo in a spot that he completely should not be in.”

Argentina’s authorities on Thursday eliminated the nation’s undersecretary of sport Julio Garro from his publish for calling for captain Lionel Messi and the Soccer Federation (AFA) president Claudio Tapia to apologise for the video.

Mac Allister mentioned his nation shouldn’t be racist.

“The truth is that right here we aren’t a racist nation,” he mentioned. “We’re not accustomed to speak about racism. It is an necessary subject.

“It’s a must to watch out with what one does and one says, particularly in Europe as a result of it is extra delicate there.”