Argentina’s vice president, Victoria Villarruel, has defended Enzo Fernandez following the racism controversy surrounding the team’s Copa America victory.
A video circulated on social media showed Fernandez and some of his colleagues singing a racist song about French players with African heritage.
After the video went viral, Fernandez issued an apology for the song’s inappropriate words.
FIFA stated that they would initiate an investigation into the matter, while Chelsea would also conduct its own investigation.
Wesley Fofana would criticise the behaviour of his Chelsea teammate as well.
Villarruel has now taken to social media to express his support for the midfielder.
Argentina’s vice president stated that they would not be intimidated by a “colonialist country,” claiming that the South American nation is sovereign and free.
Villarruel expressed her entire support for Fernandez and urged Argentinians to hold their heads high.
“No colonialist country is going to intimidate us for a song on the pitch or for telling the truths they don’t want to admit,” Villarruel posted on her account on X.
“Argentina is a sovereign and free country. We never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone.”
“But neither will we tolerate that they do it to us… Enzo I support you, Lionel Messi, thanks for everything! Argentinians always hold your head up high.”
Fernandez has, however, apologised for the song and said he was caught in the moment of the celebrations.
“The song included highly offensive language, and there is absolutely no excuse for these words,” Fernandez wrote. “I got caught up in the euphoria of our celebrations.”
He will now return to Chelsea and get ready for the pre-season.
