Argentina Sack Sports Undersecretary Julio Garro for Demanding Lionel Messi’s Apology in Racist Chants Row
After Argentina's Copa America title win, a video of their celebrations in a team bus shared by Enzo Fernandez on Instagram went viral, with players heard making fun of the French players' African origin. However, Fernandez later apologised on social media, saying he had gotten "caught up in the euphoria of our celebrations."
Mumbai, July 18: Argentina have sacked Undersecretary for Sports, Julio Garro on Thursday after he demanded an apology from national football team captain Lionel Messi for alleged racist chanting during his team's Copa America victory celebrations. After Argentina's Copa America title win, a video of their celebrations in a team bus shared by Enzo Fernandez on Instagram went viral, with players heard making fun of the French players' African origin. However, Fernandez later apologised on social media, saying he had gotten "caught up in the euphoria of our celebrations." Lionel Messi Asked To Apologize for Argentina Players’ Racist Chant Following Copa America 2024 Triumph.
"The song included highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words," he added.
Moreover, the Sports undersecretary demanded an apology from Messi and Argentine Football Federation president Claudio Fabian Tapia after the video went viral.
"I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president (Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia)," Garro told radio station Urbana Play on Wednesday. He added that video “leaves Argentina looking bad as a country.”
Argentina President Javier Milei’s Office on Thursday posted on X that Garro has been removed from his position.
Javier Milei Tweet on Sacking Julio Garro
However, FIFA is investigating the video that is doing rounds on social media after the French Football Federation (FFF) said it was "racist and discriminatory". Chelsea Begins Disciplinary Action Against Enzo Fernandez Following Argentina Footballer's Involvement in Racist Chants.
"FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into," a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement. "FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2024 01:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).