Chelsea Deletes Enzo Fernandez Post After World Cup Goal Sparks Fury
Chelsea have been slammed over a social media post praising Enzo Fernandez, which the club swiftly deleted during Argentina's 2-1 triumph over England at the World Cup following a torrent of online criticism.
The 25-year-old dragged his country back into Wednesday evening's semi-final clash in Atlanta, Georgia, after the Three Lions had seized a second-half advantage through Anthony Gordon. Fernandez discovered acres of room on the periphery of Jordan Pickford's penalty area, before unleashing a ferocious strike with merely five minutes remaining. The effort bent and dropped beyond the England shot-stopper, as Fernandez spun away in jubilant celebration.
Lautaro Martinez then crushed the hopes of Three Lions players, coaching staff and supporters watching across the globe, as he connected with a soaring header at the far post two minutes into added time to hand the South Americans a 2-1 advantage, and ultimately, victory.
Social Media Backlash
While a remarkable 24 million viewers tuned into the BBC's broadcast of the fixture, Chelsea seized the moment to honour Fernandez's achievement online. The Blues posted an image of the midfielder cupping his ears in celebration, accompanied by the caption: "Enzo Fernandez," alongside an emoji of an explosion.
Nevertheless, that decision didn't go down well with England supporters. Wave after wave of social media users were swift to respond to the post with critical messages, to the extent that Chelsea opted to remove it entirely, reports the Mirror.
One irate fan wrote: "Are you f****** serious! We are Chelsea, we are English. England over f****** Enzo f****** Fernandez," while another declared: "A disgraceful post. Betrayal."
A third said: "Chelsea FC have deleted an X post of Enzo Fernandez celebrating after the goal. Many fans were angry in the replies."
Meanwhile, a fourth raged: "Any club celebrating a goal against the country they represent is idiotic - no matter the player, club, or country." However, not all social media users agreed with this sentiment, with some questioning why there was such an uproar.
Mixed Reactions
One argued: "I get it, but Chelsea have to remember it has an international fanbase. Some of us fell in love with the non English players of Chelsea like Didier [Drogba] or Eden [Hazard]." Another pondered: "Angry about the club celebrating a player that still has contracts with the club?"
Following their win, Argentina will go head-to-head with Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, 19 July. England, on the other hand, will vie with France for third place the day prior.
