Ex-Liverpool star Mascherano says Enzo Fernandez is a 'great guy' amid racism storm

Former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano has come to the defence of Argentina and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who filmed himself making racist statements against France players earlier this week. 

The Chelsea No.8 live-streamed Argentina’s post-Copa America victory celebrations from the team bus following their victory against Colombia on Sunday in Miami. 

During the live, Enzo and several of his colleagues sang a racist song about France’s players and in particular Kylian Mbappe. 

It was a song whose lyrics first emerged around the 2022 World Cup, leading to severe criticism towards Argentina fans and players who sang it. 

Enzo cut the live after the offensive song was sung but it went viral immediately, leading to strong condemnation of Enzo and an official complaint to FIFA on the part of the French Football Federation. 

READ MORE: Liverpool Tyler Morton conundrum

The £100 million World Cup-winning midfielder has since apologised but Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana has condemned his colleague’s actions as “uninhibited racism”. 

Mascherano: Video lacks context

Chelsea stars, beginning with Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, have since unfollowed Enzo on social media while the club have also opened internal disciplinary proceedings. 

Argentina begin their 2024 Olympic Games campaign against Morocco on July 26 with Mascherano as head coach. 

Facing the press ahead of Friday’s pre-tournament warm-up game against Guinea, ex-Red and Barca star Mascherano insisted that Enzo was NOT a racist and declared that the video had been taken out of context. 

"I know Enzo,” Mascherano said to AFP according to La Nacion. “He's a great guy and has no problem with that at all. What happens is that often, during a celebration, a part of a video can be taken and removed from its context. 

"If there's one thing we are as a country, it's a totally inclusive country. In Argentina, people from all over the world live here, and we treat them as they should be treated. In fact, we shouldn't forget that many of us have European ancestors. It has been a country formed and developed by people who have come from many parts of the world.

READ MORE: Why Liverpool lost out on Yoro

"Often, you have to understand the culture of each country, and often what we understand as a joke can be misinterpreted elsewhere. 

"In this case, I know Enzo, I know the kind of person he is. 

“He has made it known on social media that he apologized. Sometimes things are made out to be much bigger than they are. And I believe that when someone makes a mistake, the first thing they should do is try to apologize. Enzo has already spoken."

Mascherano played for Liverpool for three years, from 2007 to 2010, before departing for a successful spell under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.