“I think this scandal was created out of nothing" - Argentina star defends teammate Enzo Fernandez amid racism allegations

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has leapt to the defense of teammate Enzo Fernandez after he was accused of racism following a live stream. The event unfolded in the aftermath of Argentina winning the 2024 Copa America in the USA this summer.

Enzo Fernandez featured prominently for La Albiceleste in his first Copa America assignment, including in the final against Colombia. Lionel Scaloni's side won 1-0 thanks to a Lautaro Martinez effort, but their problems arose with their choice of celebrations. The Chelsea man posted a video of his teammates singing inside the team bus after the final, and the song was one in which France players were mocked for their ancestry.

Leandro Paredes has watched the entire episode play out, and he has chosen to defend his Argentina teammate after the ugly episode. He said (via @AlbicelesteTalk):

“I think this scandal was created out of nothing because we have a way of experiencing football that is very different from others, obviously without intending to disrespect anyone, without even having the slightest thought of doing so."

"We are not a racist country. We have an incredible group of players who have a lot of respect for everyone. As Enzo said on his Instagram, he apologized, and I believe it should end there.”

Enzo Fernandez has apologized publicly via his Instagram, and has also sent out an apology to his teammates at Chelsea. Reactions to the event have varied, with the likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Paredes all jumping to his defense.

There have also been several disgruntled people, with Demba Ba the latest to lambast Fernandez. French players at Chelsea are also offended by the post, and have made their feelings clear.

Enzo Fernandez set to face police trouble upon return to England

Chelsea and Argentina star Enzo Fernandez is in hot water with the police after he was found guilty of failing to identify the driver of a Porsche Cayenne. The conviction was made in his absence at the Llanelli Magistrates' Court.

Fernandez had been asked by Dyfed-Powys Police officers on December 27 to identify the driver of the car. According to the BBC, Fernandez himself had run a red light around Carmarthenshire and has been found guilty of a traffic violation.

The 23-year-old will have to be present when his sentencing is carried out at the Magistrates' Court on September 11, when the season is already in full swing. Fernandez will look to avoid a major sentence while also navigating internal proceedings from Chelsea over his video.