Enzo Fernandez played a key part as Argentina enjoyed a 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England but some fans were left fuming with Chelsea's decision during the match
Enzo Fernandez celebrates
Enzo Fernandez was instrumental in Argentina's win against England(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
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Chelsea were quick to remove a social media post pertaining to Enzo Fernandez during Argentina's 2-1 win over England at the World Cup, after a wave of online backlash. The 25-year-old clawed his nation back into Wednesday evening's semi-final encounter in Atlanta, Georgia, after the Three Lions took a second-half lead through Anthony Gordon.
Fernandez found himself in heaps of space on the edge of Jordan Pickford's area, before unleashing with venom with just five minutes left to play. The ball curled and dipped past the England goalkeeper, as Fernandez wheeled away in animated fashion.
Lautaro Martinez then shattered the dreams of Three Lions players, staff and fans watching worldwide, as he met the ball with a towering header at the back post two minutes into stoppage time to give the South American's a 2-1 lead, and ultimately, the match.
While a staggering 24 million people tuned in to watch the BBC's coverage of the event, Chelsea took the opportunity to celebrate Fernandez's feat online. The Blues shared a photograph of the midfielder cupping his ears in celebration, with the caption: "Enzo Fernandez," alongside an emoji of an explosion.
However, that move didn't sit well with England fans. Waves and waves of social media users were quick to comment on the post with messages of criticism, to the point that Chelsea made the decision to delete it altogether.
One commented: "Are you f***ing serious! We are Chelsea, we are English. England over f***ing Enzo f***ing Fernandez," while another said: "A disgraceful post. Betrayal."
A third added: "Chelsea FC have deleted an X post of Enzo Fernandez celebrating after the goal. Many fans were angry in the replies."
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Meanwhile, a fourth vented: "Any club celebrating a goal against the country they represent is idiotic - no matter the player, club, or country."
Yet not every social media user shared the same view, with some questioning why there was such a fuss.
One said: "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 the victory, Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, 19 July. England, meanwhile, will battle it out with France for third place the day before.
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