Hugo Lloris: Euphoria 'no excuse' for Argentina's racist chants

Former French captain says Argentina 'are an example for others, especially the kids'

Hugo Lloris said the song sung by Argentina players following their Copa America triumph was an 'attack on French people'. PA

Former France captain Hugo Lloris said using the euphoria of their Copa America win was no excuse for Argentina players to direct racist chants at the French team.

A video posted by Argentina international Enzo Fernandez on Instagram after his team beat Colombia 1-0 in Sunday's final, featured a song sung by some members of the Argentina squad about France's players of African descent.

World governing body Fifa is investigating the video after French Football Federation (FFF) lodged a formal complaint, saying it was "racist and discriminatory". Fernandez's club side Chelsea have also started an internal disciplinary procedure over the midfielder.

Fernandez later apologised for the video saying he got caught up in the euphoria of celebrations and the song does not reflect his beliefs or character as he stands against discrimination.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris captained the French side that won the 2018 World Cup, beating Argentina en route, said the song was an "attack on French people".

"It doesn't matter if you are in a moment of euphoria because you have won an important trophy," Lloris told the BBC. "It demands even more responsibility when you are a winner.

"We all stand against discrimination and racism. I just think and hope it is a mistake. We all make mistakes sometimes and hopefully they will learn from it."

Argentina's vice president Victoria Villarruel defended Fernandez and the team and the country's undersecretary for sports, Julio Garro, was removed from his position for suggesting that captain Lionel Messi apologise for the chants.

Argentina and France have had a heated rivalry since the South Americans' last 16 elimination to eventual champions France at the 2018 World Cup. The Argentines then defeated France in a penalty shoot-out in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.

Lloris, who is France's most capped player, said Argentina deserved credit for what they have achieved in the sport in the last few years, winning back-to-back Copas as well as the 2022 World Cup, having become "the face of football in the world".

"You [Argentina players] are an example for others, especially the kids. It was a proper attack about the French people, especially for the French people who have some African origin and family," he said.

Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul said captain Messi warned his teammates "not to pick on anyone" after their Copa America triumph.

Messi was not on the pitch for Lautaro Martinez's winner to clinch Argentina's record 16th Copa America title, having been substituted in the second half with an ankle injury.

With regards to Fernandez, De Paul said it would have been better for anyone offended to address the matter in private, and defended the Argentina squad's actions.

"Enzo's thing is because one doesn't analyse the song on the pitch, it's pure chicanery," said the Atletico Madrid player.

"I understand that there are people who suffer racism and other issues. I think they could have sent him a private message and told him directly. You call him and tell him that it might bother you, you don't stop following him and you put on such a show. The song is because we were there, people sing it too."