Mascherano defends Enzo: 'In Argentina, we are not racists!'
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 18.07.24. | 10:07
Former Liverpool and Barca midfielder took Fernandez's side concerning the recent racist scandal
The football world vividly remembers Javier Mascherano and his fighting spirit on the pitch. Spending three years at Liverpool, the Argentinian made a name for himself before joining Barcelona, where he became a legend, playing 203 matches during eight years at Camp Nou.
Javier Mascherano on Argentina's racist chant and Enzo's situation:
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) July 17, 2024
🗣️ "If there is one thing we are as a country, it is that we are completely inclusive. People from all over the world live in Argentina and we treat them well. Sometimes, within the framework of a celebration,… pic.twitter.com/iarftSU2Yf
Mascherano is currently the coach of the Argentina Olympic football team. He and his squad are in France preparing for the Olympics. However, during the press briefing in Argentina's camp near Rennes, in Ille-et-Vilaine, the tactician couldn't avoid the question regarding Enzo Fernandez's racist incident. As expected, Mascherano took his compatriot's side.
"In Argentina, if there is one thing we are not, it is racist. I know Enzo, he's a great guy, he doesn't have problems like that. Often, in the context of a celebration, you can take part of a video and take it out of context. If there is one thing that we are as a country, it is a totally inclusive country. People from all over the world live in Argentina and we treat them properly," underlined former Albiceleste international.
In addition, Mascherano pointed out that occasionally cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings, claiming that this is what happened in the Chelsea player's case.
"Sometimes you have to understand the culture of each country and sometimes what we perceive as a joke can be misinterpreted elsewhere. Enzo also made it known on social networks that he apologized. Sometimes people try to make things much bigger than they are," stated Mascherano.
However, neither his compatriot's support nor the apology he made can help Fernandez, given that both FIFA and Chelsea launched investigations. Hence, some form of repercussion is most likely ahead of him. Subsequently, according to sources from London, his French teammates are very angry and disappointed with him and their further cooperation and normal communication is currently under a big question mark.
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