FOOTBALL all over the world has struggled for more than a decade with racism, both on and off the field. Racism is most common in Europe, with blacks as the target. While individuals could experience it on the streets, footballers have been the ones bearing the brunt and this has continued to generate serious debate. Undoubtedly, the controversy surrounding racism seems to have reached the climax with the actions of Lionel Messi led players of Argentina who after winning the 2024 Copa America taunted Klyian Mbappe who recently signed for Real Madrid.
There is a video circulating on social media now showing members of the Argentina national team players with song termed to be racial abuse and in a discriminatory manner. The song made reference to some France players particularly Mbappe as having their mother from Angola, father from Nigeria but bearing French Passport.
While the whole World frowns at this unwholesome act, the government of Argentina rose to support the actions of the players in a move that shocked the whole world.
Shortly after the incident which was posted on an Instagram by Enzo Fernández, a player of Chelsea, the country’s undersecretary for Sports, Julio Garro asked Messi to apologise on behalf of the players.
However, the drama took a new twist when the Vice President of Argentina, Victoria Villarruel sacked the Undersecretary for issuing that statement and declared total support for the players’ actions.
According to the Vice President,” She will not tolerate the actions of a “ colonialist” country.
“No colonialist Country is going to intimidate us for a song on the pitch or for telling the truths they don’t want to hear” Villarruel posted on her X account.
She went further to say that “Argentina is a sovereign and free Country. We never had colonies or second class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone. But neither will we tolerate that they do it to us…Enzo…I support you, Messi, thanks for everything! Argentinas always hold your head up high”.
There lies the problem. The English FA, the World Soccer governing body FIFA, and the European Soccer governing body, UEFA have all publicly condemned the action promising to sanction those involved. They have all along launched multiple campaigns to try and tackle racism. They have in the interest of the round leather game proposed mandatory sanctions, possible match forfeits, actions on the field and potential criminal charges on offenders.
Earlier this year, Brazil and Real Madrrid attacker, Vinicious Junior broke down in tears in an emotional media conference while speaking about his nasty experience with racist abuse. Vinicious before the match against Atletico Madrid was racially abused and in another incident before the match against Valencia had his effigy hung on the bridge. The mesmerising attacker who may win the World Footballer of the year award confessed to have lost interest playing football.
“ I find it difficult playing under this condition. I just want to play football but it is hard to move forward…. I feel less and less like playing” before busting into tears.
Before the latest outburst from Messi and his co players, Marcus Rashford who plies his trade with Manchester United, Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Jordan Sancho have all experienced racial abuse.
Shortly after England’s defeat at Wembly in the final of the last Championship in 2022, the players mentioned above were subjected to racism and it was widely condemned.
The Football Federation in England have come up with measures to curtail racism by engaging security agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders. It is more worrisome and depressing to see black players facing racial abuse.
One would have thought that the government of Argentina would support the stance of those managing Soccer and the countries who have come up with ideas on how to curb racism, rather the opposite is the case.
Real Madrid Star, Jude Bellingham voiced out his frustration some time ago by suggesting that players should have greater involvement in how decisions relating to racism are made. He has a platform which he has been using to speak out on matters concerning racism.
Belligham said while making reference to his teammates, Vinicious that “what would be interesting is having the players involved. The players are the ones who are having to experience it, not these people in government or those in charge of football. So if they really want to know what they think is fair or if they are confused, there are players all over the world they can speak to and I ll tell them to take advantage of that.”
The issue at stake is Belligham to an extent referring to the likes of Messi to help solve the problem of racism. For Messi and his teammates to be involved in acts of racism is the least expected and must be totally condemned. Like what Belligham said, it seems as if the government of Argentina has allowed the euphoria of the success at the Copa America to override their sense of reasoning. Their action is unacceptable and must not be allowed to stand. All must say No to racism and serious sanction must be meted out to those who get involve in racism no matter the status of the player.
