Alexis Mac Allister breaks silence on Enzo Fernandez racism row as Liverpool star defends teammate

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has defended his international teammate Enzo Fernandez as he faces backlash for his part in a racist video.

Fernandez shared a video of himself celebrating with some of his Argentina teammates following their Copa America triumph, having beaten Colombia in the final. During the celebrations, the players were heard singing a song that allegedly contains racist remarks aimed at French players.

The French Football Federation has issued an official complaint to FIFA, while Chelsea has begun disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez after his club mate Wesley Fofana denounced the video.

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Mac Allister is not thought to have been among the Argentina players that were on the bus during the video, but the Liverpool star has now spoken out on the incident and defended Fernandez.

“You have to be careful with what you say or do, especially in Europe where they are much more sensitive than here,” Mac Allister said in an interview with Argentina's Urbana Play FM .

“The reality is that we are not a racist country, we are not used to talking about racism so much. Yes, it’s a very important topic, obviously.

“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. It’s just a chant that got stuck and is more of a mocking tone than anything else.

“But, as I said, you have to be very careful. I think the most important thing is that Enzo came out, gave the corresponding apologies, and that, in the end, should be valued.”

Fernandez has issued an apology following the incident , posting on social media: "I want to apologise for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.

"The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words. I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry."