In the aftermath of Argentina’s recent Copa América victory, an unsavory incident has overshadowed their triumph, involving the team singing a racist chant against the French national team.
This incident, captured briefly in a live Instagram video by player Enzo Fernández, has sparked outrage and led to official complaints to the Argentine Football Association and FIFA.
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The incident unfolded
The chant, which included derogatory remarks about the racial origins of French players, was sung during the celebrations following Argentina’s win. The specific content of the chant, accusing the French players of African descent of not being truly French, has been met with severe criticism and is a serious step back in the fight against racism in sports.
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Background of the chant
The chant is not new to Argentine fans, having first appeared during a broadcast by TyC Sports prior to the 2022 World Cup. It reflects a deeper, more disturbing aspect of fan culture within certain segments of Argentine supporters, known for blending racism, transphobia, and misogyny. The chant mirrors another from local club football, indicating a pervasive issue within Argentine sports culture.
Official responses
The French Football Federation (FFF) has strongly condemned the actions of the Argentine players and supporters. Philippe Diallo, the president of the FFF, announced plans to address the issue directly with his Argentine counterpart and FIFA, emphasizing the severity of the incident. Legal actions are also being contemplated as part of the response.
“Cortá el vivo, cortá el vivo”:
Porque se filtró que la Selección canta la de “Escuchen corran la bola, juegan en Francia pero son todos de Angola.” Orgullo🥲🇦🇷pic.twitter.com/I6NCpL34Vp— Es tendencia en 𝕏 (@EsTendenciaEnX) July 15, 2024
Historical context
This is not the first time Argentine supporters have displayed such behavior, with similar incidents occurring in the past. The repeated nature of these actions shows a troubling pattern that has not been adequately addressed by the authorities involved.
Implications for international relations
The incident has strained relations between the Argentine and French football federations and has prompted calls for FIFA to intervene. It casts a long shadow over Argentina’s international sporting reputation and raises questions about the effectiveness of anti-racism campaigns within football.
Moving forward
The Argentine Football Association and the global football community face a critical test in addressing and rectifying the root causes of such behavior. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in eradicating racism from sports and the need for stronger, more effective measures to ensure that football truly respects all players regardless of their background.
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This article explores the repercussions of a racist chant sung by Argentine players and supporters following their Copa América victory, highlighting the ongoing struggle against racism in sports and the urgent need for concerted actions to foster respect and equality in football.
