Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister has leapt to the defence of Argentina team-mate Enzo Fernandez after his controversial Copa America celebrations.
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- Fernandez embroiled in racism storm
- Posted controversial video after Copa America win
- Mac Allister says Chelsea star 'is not a racist'
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Fernandez posted a video after Argentina's Copa America win which showed the Chelsea midfielder and his team-mates singing a song that has been branded "abusive" and "discriminatory" by the French Football Federation. The midfielder subsequently issued an apology on social media amid the controversy, while Chelsea have opened disciplinary proceedings.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Fernandez's video has caused anger among his Chelsea team-mates. Wesley Fofana has branded the chant as "unabashed racism" and David Datro Fofana has also condemned the video. Chelsea's pre-season plans are now said to be in "meltdown" due to the dressing room rift that has been created, but Mac Allister has been quick to jump to the defence of his international team-mate.
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WHAT MAC ALLISTER SAID
The Liverpool midfielder told Argentina's Urbana Play FM: "You have to be careful with what you say or do. Especially in Europe where they are much more sensitive than here. The reality is that we are not a racist country; we are not used to talking about racism so much.
"Enzo has already apologised and explained what happened. I don't think there's much more to say. We know Enzo, we know he would never do it with bad intentions, he's not that guy, he's not racist."
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WHAT NEXT
Chelsea and FIFA are investigating the video which means Fernandez and his team-mates could face disciplinary action. The Blues also have work to do to ease tensions in the dressing room ahead of the start of the new Premier League season. However, Fernandez is not due to return to the club just yet and will take a break after helping Argentina successfully defend their Copa America crown.
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