Rodrigo De Paul hit out at Wesley Fofana for criticising Enzo Fernandez on social media following Argentina’s controversial Copa America celebrations.
The controversy led to significant fallout among Fernandez’s Chelsea teammates.
Fofana called the chant “uninhibited racism,” and several Chelsea players, including Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Lesley Ugochukwu, unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
However, in response to the criticism, De Paul spoke out in support of Fernandez and emphasised that the chants were not meant to be taken literally.
“You don’t analyse the songs that much.
“I can understand people who have suffered racism and don’t like it.
“But then there is a place for everything,” he said while speaking on Olga en Vivo, via Diario AS.
“If someone or a colleague of Enzo feels offended, the way to go about it is to call him if you know him personally, not to put it on social networks.
“There is a bit of malice in it, or maybe wanting to put Enzo in a spot that he has nothing to do with.
“You don’t have to add fuel to the fire, or make it into a show.”
Did You Know?
Another Argentina player, Alexis Mac Allister, also defended Fernandez, offering his perspective during an interview with Argentina’s Urbana Play FM.
The Liverpool star insisted that Argentina is not accustomed to discussing racism as extensively as in Europe and asserted that “we are not a racist country.”
Read more: Jackson Jumps To Defence Of Fernandez Amid Racism Storm
However, the controversy surrounding Fernandez’s participation in the offensive chant underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards issues of racism and discrimination in football.
Also, the incident has reportedly caused a significant dressing room rift at Stamford Bridge and Enzo Maresca must douse the off-the-pitch fire as quickly as possible before focusing on tactics on the pitch.
Biden Claims Elon Musk Is Attempting To Tip Scales In Trump’s Favour
