Argentina’s victory in the Copa America was overshadowed by controversy when midfielder Enzo Fernandez posted a video on social media that allegedly contained racist and discriminatory language. The French Football Federation raised concerns about the video, and FIFA is now investigating the matter. The video showed several members of the Argentina squad singing a song that originated from Argentine fans, which questioned the heritage of France’s black and mixed-race players. This incident has not only caused outrage but has also brought to light a long-standing issue of racism in Argentine football.
Unfortunately, scenes of Argentine fans making monkey gestures during matches against Brazilian teams have become all too common. These fans claim that it is merely banter and part of the game, but the underlying racism cannot be denied. Despite efforts by Argentine clubs to address this behavior, they often downplay it as xenophobia rather than acknowledging it as racism. What makes this behavior even more disheartening is that some players themselves have been involved in these acts. This is particularly troubling considering that the majority of the squad plays in Europe and should be aware of the importance of respecting diversity and inclusivity.
So why do these players engage in such behavior? One reason could be the desire to express their Argentine identity and be part of the country’s fan culture. National team duty provides an opportunity for players to come together with people from their own culture and sing their own songs. While many aspects of Argentine fan culture are beautiful, the lyrics of this particular song are deeply troubling. Not only do they insult black teammates and fans, but they also disrespect Argentina’s own heritage.
The presence of black Argentines has significantly decreased over the years due to various factors such as outbreaks of yellow fever and deaths during wars for independence. However, there is evidence of African influence in Argentina’s gene pool and cultural heritage. Tango, Argentina’s most significant cultural product, has African roots and is a result of the fusion of African, European, and indigenous styles. It is worth noting that while tango was initially looked down upon by the Argentine elite, it gained recognition when it became popular in Paris. This contrast between the upward movement of tango and the downward movement of football in society is intriguing.
It is essential to understand the historical context of Argentina’s racial dynamics to grasp the significance of the song sung by the players. The presence of millions of European immigrants in Argentina during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a result of a racist project seeking to import a white labor force to “improve” and “civilize” the country. This history of racist thinking has not entirely disappeared and is evident in the lyrics of the song that tarnished Argentina’s victory.
While it is important to note that not all Argentine fans or players engage in racist behavior, this incident highlights the need for education and awareness about the impact of such actions. It is crucial for the Argentine Football Association to take a stronger stance against racism and implement stricter measures to address these issues. Additionally, players themselves must take responsibility for their actions and use their platform to promote equality and respect. Only then can Argentina’s football culture truly evolve and eliminate racism from its game.