BTN News: Hugo Lloris, the former captain of France, has condemned the racist chants made by Argentine players following their Copa América victory. He emphasized that such behavior cannot be justified by the euphoria of winning a major trophy, calling the song an “attack on the French.”
After Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the final, a video posted by Argentine international Enzo Fernández on Instagram showed members of the Argentine team singing a song that targeted French footballers of African descent. The video has sparked outrage and is now under investigation by FIFA following a complaint from the French Football Federation (FFF), which labeled the content as “racist and discriminatory.” Chelsea, the Premier League club where Fernández plays, has also launched an internal disciplinary process regarding the incident.
In response to the backlash, Fernández apologized for the video, claiming he got carried away by the celebrations and asserting that the song does not reflect his beliefs or character, as he opposes discrimination.
Lloris, speaking to the BBC, stated, “No matter the moment of euphoria due to winning an important trophy, it requires even more responsibility when you are a winner. We are all against discrimination and racism. I hope this was just a mistake and that everyone can learn from it.”
Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, defended Fernández and the team, while Julio Garro, the country’s Deputy Secretary of Sports, was removed from his position after suggesting that captain Lionel Messi should apologize for the chants.
Lloris, who holds the record for the most appearances by a French player and captained the team to victory in the 2018 World Cup, acknowledged Argentina’s recent achievements in football, recognizing them as a leading force in the sport. “You (the Argentine players) are an example to others, especially children. This incident was a direct attack on the French, particularly those with African heritage,” he said.
The controversy highlights the ongoing issues of racism in sports and the responsibilities of athletes as role models. While the excitement of victory can lead to heightened emotions, it is crucial for players to maintain a sense of accountability and respect, especially in the public eye. The incident serves as a reminder of the impact of words and actions and the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect in sports.
