No Sam Kerr, no permanent coach, a horror showing on debut at a major tournament and now the lowest ranking ever; the shine has well and truly come off the Matildas since they became Australia’s No.1 team at the 2023 World Cup.
The latest FIFA rankings have heaped further misery on a team that was ordinary in three defeats at the SheBelieves Cup in the US that came on the back of a dismal Olympic campaign in Paris after which coach Tony Gustavsson stepped away.
Without injured captain Sam Kerr to bail them out with her bevy of goals, the Matildas have slumped to 16 on the world rankings, their joint-worst spot since they were introduced in 2003.
It’s a position they last held two decades ago in 2005.
Hayley Raso and her Matildas teammates have fallen off the pace. Picture: Orlando Ramirez / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFPSource: AFP
As Football Australia stalls on appointing a successor to Gustavsson, with Tom Sermanni doing his best in the interim, the Matildas have battled for success since an exhilarating run to the World Cup semi-finals on home soil in 2023.
The Matildas were still in their familiar top-10 position this time two years ago.
But after defeats to Japan, the US and Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup, and performances that raised serious questions given the quality of the line-up, albeit without Kerr, the slide down the rankings has hit a new low.
The Matildas will next be in action in a two-game series against Korea Republic in April.
It’s unclear whether Kerr, who also endured an ugly court hearing in the UK during which she was found not guilty of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer, will be back for those games.
Triple M on Wednesday apologised for the Sheargold’s comments, which were made on Monday on his afternoon radio show.
Sheargold said he would rather “hammer a nail through the head of my penis” than watch women’s football and he was “sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse”.
Sheargold’s comments also included a reference to the name of the tournament the Matildas are playing in, the She Believes Cup, saying, “Oh she believes in what? It better be men.”
His show did not air on Wednesday afternoon and Triple M has since made the call to part ways with Sheargold, with the station announcing they had “mutually agreed” to the decision.
“Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,” SCA Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said in a statement.
“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”
Sheargold said: “Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
Football Australia on Wednesday issued a statement, saying it was “deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments” and they “not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society”.
Triple M radio presenter Marty Sheargold has apologised for comments he made about the Matildas and women’s football. Picture: Supplied/Triple MSource: Supplied
Sermanni said sports teams were “used to criticism” but Sheargold’s comments “crossed the line”.
“It’s completely unnecessary and generally outrageous, and, it’s something that from a behavioural perspective, is really very, very disappointing,” he said.
“For me, it’s not so much about sexism and misogyny, in a sense, although that’s unacceptable – let me make that clear.
“It’s what the comments were. The comments just crossed the line. They were just basically out of order and very, very unnecessary.
“Our team is obviously a very high-profile team, and being a high-profile team, you do take criticism, you do create criticism sometimes very near the edge, but sometimes that just goes over the edge, and those comments did that.”
Triple M’s statement included a personal apology from Sheargold.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments regarding the Matildas,” he said.
“I sincerely apologise.”
Sermanni said his team had moved on from the matter and was concentrating on beating Colombia after losses to Japan (4-0) and USA (2-1).
“We’ll put that behind us … we’re here to play football,” he said.
“The players have just completely focused on the game.”
Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni speaks to players Kaitlyn Torpey (left) and Holly McNamara after Australia’s 2-1 loss to USA. Picture: Chris Coduto/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Sermanni was expecting a “physical” contest similar to Australia’s two matches against Brazil – won 3-1 and 2-1 by the South Americans – in Queensland last year.
“(It will) probably be more of a Brazil-style game that … so that’d be more a very physical game,” he said.
“They’ve got a couple of outstanding players in the line-up. We need to look after them, and being South American, they’ve got a certain rhythm, a certain way of playing that’s a little bit different to the Japanese and a little bit different to the Americans.”
Having been “bullied” by Japan last week, Sermanni was happier with the amount of challenges his side won against the Americans on Monday and wants more of the same on Thursday.
“We had a pretty serious chat after the first game (against Japan), and I think the players responded magnificently in that second game,” he said.
WARNING: This article contains language that some readers may find offensive
Comments live on-air from Triple M radio personality Marty Sheargold about Australia’s Matildas have been blasted as “disgusting” and “a f**king joke” — with the comedian since apologising, while Football Australia called the incident “deeply disappointing”.
The Matildas, Australia’s wildly popular national football side, are in the United States competing in the annual SheBelieves Cup along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation.
When the Triple M program and podcast, The Marty Sheargold Show, began discussing the Tillies’ results in the tournament on Monday afternoon, the host took the opportunity to express his feelings towards the team and women’s sport in general.
It’s understood the station has been flooded with complaints after the comments were posted on social media late on Tuesday.
Listen to part of the comments in the player below
The Matildas following their loss to the United States on Tuesday. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
It’s worth noting that when Sheargold began Monday’s show, he started with the message to listeners: “Little ears warning for the following podcast.
“It’s probably not for kids, there’s some adult concepts, not just today, every day.
“Buyer beware as they say.”
But we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether that is warning enough for what transpired live on Monday afternoon.
The discussion between Sheargold and co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralson began with Ralston mentioning the tournament to date.
“In football or soccer it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” Ralston said.
Sheargold immediately jumped in with the following rant, including downplaying – unintentionally or otherwise – the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold began.
“They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold continued, as laughter rang out in the background.
“All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a bitch’.
“Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse.”
Triple M radio and podcast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple MSource: Supplied
The broadcaster and actor announced at the time he was taking an extended break to spend more time with family and “prioritise self-care (and) maintaining a better work/life balance”.
Ralston then tried to continue with the sports news bulletin, stating: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.”
Sheargold jumped in, screaming “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men” as more laughter rang out.
After a conversation about Sam Kerr and her partner, American footballer Kristie Mewis, which included Sheargold’s question “do they play the same position?”, Ralson tried again to keep the bulletin moving.
Kristie Mewis (left) and Sam Kerr were also discussed on the program. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around,” he said.
Sheargold responded: “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that,” as a sound affect and more laughs were heard.
“Got any men’s sport?”
Ralston replied: “Yeah I do, baseball, the New York Yankees have dropped their 49-year ban on beards, on facial hair.”
“Now this is a good story,” Sheargold responded.
The exchange came to light after Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone posted part of it on TikTok with the following caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world.
Tokyo Olympian Ambrosia Malone posted some of the comments on social media. Picture: Alex Coppel.Source: News Corp Australia
“I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5.30pm) on the way to training and all I could think about was the young girls sitting in the car with their parents, maybe on the way to or from their own training sessions hearing this.
“I’m sure many of them would have been hurt and confused … I was in disbelief.
“This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio??? HOW??”
She added: “I’d name the station and speaker, but I don’t want to reward their behaviour with publicity.”
There was a strong reaction on the platform, with many stating the same disbelief at the comments and asking for the station to be named.
“It’s worth lodging a complaint about this,” was one reply. “If you provide the station and time then I’m sure a few people would be interested in also lodging a complaint.”
Marty Sheargold and Mary Fowler. Photo: Triple M and Mark King, Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
Another wrote: “Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording.”
“This CAN’T be real,” added a third.
After the station and host was added to the comments, a vast number confirmed they had lodged a complaint with Triple M.
News.com.au has reached out to Triple M for comment.
Meanwhile, more prominent female athletes voiced their anger.
Swimming great Libby Trickett commented: “I’m livid. It’s 2025 and this isn’t funny.”
Netballer Gretel Bueta commented “Yuk”, while Diamonds great Bianca Chatfield left an angry face emoji.
Sheargold has apologised amid the backlash, claimed his joke missed the mark.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise,’’ he said.
Triple M distanced itself from the comments, without indicating whether any disciplinary action would be taken against Sheargold.
An SCA spokesperson said: “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas — made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February — do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports. We are sorry for any offence caused.”
Football Australia later issued a statement.
“Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the CommBank Matildas. Such remarks not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society.
“The CommBank Matildas have inspired a new generation of Australians from young boys and girls to men and women who now see a future for themselves in football and sport more broadly. They have broken barriers, set new standards, and elevated the game to unprecedented heights. Their success has been instrumental in transforming women’s sport in Australia, and they deserve to be covered with the respect and professionalism they have earned.
“While we acknowledge the apologies issued by both Triple M and Marty Sheargold, this incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women’s sport and its participants. Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforces our society’s values toward women and girls in sport.”
In a match between the world No. 8 Japanese and No. 15 Aussies, it looked like it would have been a close match as the Matildas look to put a dire 2024 behind them.
Unfortunately, it was a horror show in the Matildas’ first match since December as Asia’s true powerhouse put the Aussies to the sword.
The result was the biggest ever loss by the Matildas to Japan and should have been much worse with some terrible shots, but what was worse was that the Aussies quite literally didn’t even fire a shot, with no shots on goal throughout the 90 minutes.
At halftime, the commentators were stunned by the 2-0 deficit, with calls for the Matildas to break out of their malaise.
Host Tara Rushton said it was “difficult to watch”.
“It looks like a team that doesn’t really know where they’re at with each other, and a little bit flat and bereft of energy.”
Aussie football veteran Andy Harper agreed.
“This was beyond less than acceptable. This is nowhere near good enough,” he said on Paramount+.
“Tom Sermanni came in, wanted to build stability with this first game, get off to a winning start. This team knows each other intimately. There’s almost 1000 caps spread across … this is so far away from being an acceptable first half of football from our national team in a preparation for an Asian Cup which we’re hosting.”
The Matildas were thrashed by Japan. Photo: Jack Gorman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Former Matilda Grace Gill said the team would have to “take a good hard look at themselves at halftime”, hitting out at the team’s wasteful first half performance.
The only half chance the Matildas had a strong ball from Kyra Cooney-Cross that found an off-side Caitlin Foord but there was little else that could be considered a positive from a dire first half.
Even the Japanese goals were far from screamers with Mina Tanaka scoring off a weak strike after a failed header clearance from Australia.
The second was little more than a tap in after Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy ran into each other.
And the Matildas were lucky to not be further behind after a near-certain header clanged off the crossbar.
Gill said the goals were “easily preventable, easily fixed”.
“It was not controlling the ball, it was not settling things down, everything was going Japan’s way,” Gill says.
“Those (Japan) goals are easily defendable … it’s just defensively poor.
“It feels like the intensity is not there.”
But it was more of the same in the second half with the third goal five minutes after the break.
Despite a few positive moments from Japan showed the gulf in class with a sharp passing move giving Maika Hamano the easiest of tap ins.
At full-time, Harper called it “very very poor”.
“Disappointing doesn’t really come close to covering it,” Harper said.
“It was a morning which simply did not work.”
Hayley Raso reacts for the Matildas. Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Gill said it exposed the “chasm” between the teams.
Harper said the loss exposed a hard truth for Australian football.
“We’re having the same discussion after a Matildas game against Japan as we have after a men’s game against Japan,” he said.
“This is not a team against another team, this is a system against another system.
“While Japan over five, 10, 15 years have made vast progress on a technical level with their players, we sit here sending out national teams out and the chasm between Japan and Australia technically seems to be getting wider, not narrower.”
Fans were quick to take aim at the performance, with criticisms focusing on the fact the Matildas still have an interim coach.
Sport broadcaster Daniel Garb slammed the performance.
“That’s a disaster for The Matildas with as strong a side as it can name at present. Heaviest ever loss to Japan. Concerning a year out from a home Asian Cup,” he said.
“Tom Sermanni is a great of the women’s game & is not to blame but they’ve got to get a move on with a permanent coach.”
The West Australian’s Ben Smith commented: “One shot on target. Matildas in dire need of a direction and a coach, because right now they’re just spinning the wheels. Sermanni in a tough spot, but there doesn’t feel like there’s any jeopardy for senior players.”
“This she believes cup was the perfect time to have a full-time coach in camp with the Matildas. Why there isn’t one yet is insane,” one fan said.
Another added: “The Matildas look seriously out of form and poorly organised. They are a metaphor for @FootbalAUS. We have NO coach and the classy Japanese have an Australian assistant coach. We have a thin bench and a porous defence. Reform is an urgent need.”
There was nothing to celebrate for the Matildas. Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Speaking after the game, defender Ellie Carpenter lamented a horrific day at the office.
“It was a bad performance from us and we need to regroup, refocus for the game against the US,” she said.
“I think we weren’t all on the same page with the press. But like I said, it wasn’t good enough tonight and we just need to refocus, regroup and focus on the next match.”
It gets no easier for the Aussies with the Matildas facing hosts and world No. 1 the US on Monday before finishing against Colombia next Thursday.
Results from the two games against the South American champions and the pair of fixtures against Chinese Taipei were both everything and, at the same time, completely irrelevant compared to other objectives.
Impressive crowds followed the team from Brisbane to the Gold Coast and on to Victoria and winning for those who paid their hard-earned money will always be the goal. However, with continental and global silverware up for grabs over the next two and a half years, those games will be the last where player selections, formations and form won’t be scrutinised heavily for some time.
Stylish Tillies crush Chinese Taipei | 03:08
THE SELL OUT CROWD STREAK
The Matildas streak of selling out stadiums on home soil stopped at 16.
47,501 packed into Suncorp Stadium and 25,297 rocked up on the Gold Coast for the games against Brazil.
The 26,795 in attendance at AAMI Park in Melbourne for the first match against Chinese Taipei fell just shy of ensuring the house full sign went up.
The teams who featured on the sellout list make the length of the streak even more impressive.
It started with 50,629 packing into Marvel Stadium for the last fixture the side played before the Women’s World Cup, against France, in 2023.
By the time the full-time whistle went in their third-placed play-off defeat to Sweden in Brisbane the streak sat at eight.
The wave of enthusiasm didn’t wane after the World Cup.
59,155 were at Optus Stadium in Perth for an Olympic qualifier against the Philippines. That fixture was wedged either side of sellouts at HBF Park against Iran and Chinese Taipei.
54,120 against Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne saw them seal qualification for the games in Paris while 76,798 were in attendance at Accor Stadium in Sydney for a clash with China. It doubled as a farewell match for the side prior to the ill-fated Olympic campaign and veteran goalkeeper Lydia Williams’ final game on home soil before retirement.
That figure is almost unheard of for a Monday night in Sydney and it came off the back of 52,912 at Adelaide Oval for the first game against China.
Those are remarkable numbers.
THE COACH SEARCH
When will Football Australia settle on Tony Gustavsson’s replacement as Matildas coach?
All the governing body will confirm is that the search is ongoing.
It’s been ongoing since August and is likely to continue into 2025.
There are six international windows next year as the side prepares for the Asian Cup on home soil in March of 2026. The side will head to America in the first of those windows in February for the SheBelieves Cup. They’ll take on Japan, the USA and Colombia and it’s unclear, at this stage, if the search for a coach would’ve concluded by then.
Players, former players and pundits have all aired their opinions over the last few weeks on the qualities the new coach should possess.
The man currently filling the void, Tom Sermanni, also had some thoughts.
“Somebody young,” the 70-year-old quipped when asked.
“Ideally its someone that has to be here; that has to be invested in the game here, that has to take greater responsibility than just a one singular national team.
“That would be the ideal role.”
That would require any foreign candidate to relocate and immerse themselves in pathways programs.
In the meantime, Sermanni has turned his attention to the SheBelieves Cup.
“I’m in here as a coach. I haven’t thought about it as if I’m just here in the interim. What I’ve tried to do is do what I would’ve done had I come in here under a two, three or a four-year contract.”
Incredible story behind Tillies new star | 01:12
THE YOUNG AND THE RETURNING
The experience of Sermanni – this is his third stint as coach of the Matildas – perhaps explains why Football Australia feel like they’ve got time to settle on the right coaching candidate.
He’s already set about building depth in the squad. Sermanni created headlines – something the affable Scot is not prone to doing – by saying depth building was something the program hadn’t done well enough. It was seen as a shot at Gustavsson and was widely reported as such. He was at pains to clarify on Friday that he meant it was a decade old problem that Football Australia needs to address.
Either way, it’s a valid point on the road to the Asian Cup and World Cup.
His solution, so far, has been to not just name generation next in the squad, but actually give them game time.
Bryleeh Henry, Daniela Galic, Winonah Heatley, Sharn Freier, Natasha Prior and Leah Davidson all got minutes at stages, and none looked out of place at international level.
Freier is the most established of those players and looks increasingly dangerous with every appearance.
“I think the first thing that we learned is that some players have come in and really stepped up to the level that we’re playing at,” Sermanni said.
“We actually have some talent around that we need to try to utilise a little bit better.”
More established players like Emily Gielnik, Chloe Logarzo and Remy Siemsen, who missed the profile boom of World Cup induced Matildas-mania, have also returned to the fold.
A mix of the young and the returning will be required for the side to get its hands on silverware.
CLARITY ON SAM KERR
Sam Kerr has been sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury since suffering the setback at a Chelsea training camp in January.
Hard details around her recovery have been difficult to come by since.
Now, new Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor has provided a ballpark timeframe for Kerr’s return.
“We are looking to have her back with us in February, March, not before that,” Bompastor said.
“She didn’t start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she’s still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad.”
That means the SheBelieves Cup will, most likely, come too soon and Chelsea would surely hold reservations about Kerr departing for international duty if she was only just back on the park.
Having Kerr fit and firing for the Asian Cup in 2026 and the World Cup in 2027 must be the goal after an injury interrupted run at the last edition before missing the Olympics in Paris completely.
Tillies snap losing streak with 3-1 win | 01:34
THE HARDEST MOMENT TO WATCH
Chloe Logarzo made her first appearance for the Matildas since October 2022 in the game at AAMI Park against Chinese Taipei.
After a lively first half-hour spent cleverly linking up with the strike pairing of Emily Gielnik and Michelle Heyman, a head clash while competing for a ball saw her night come to an end.
The next day she was ruled out of the second match in Geelong.
“She has got the old egg on the side of her head at the moment,” Sermanni said after the AAMI Park game.
“She is devastated at having to go off. She waited quite a long time to get back in the team.”
It’s not hard to understand why Logarzo was pleading for the medical staff to let her continue.
The 29-year-old has had a horror run with injuries.
The midfielder tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee during a friendly against Ireland in September of 2021.
Issues with her foot followed the completion of rehabilitation on her knee.
Logarzo wasn’t fit enough for the World Cup and turned television pundit for the tournament instead.
The Western United star will be desperate to be on the pitch instead of in a TV studio when the Asian Cup rolls around.
The tears that followed her substitution in Melbourne were a raw and honest expression of how cruel professional sport can be.
THE BEST MOMENT OF THE FOUR MATCHES
Clare Polkinghorne take a bow.
You know you’ve made it when you enter the Australian consciousness just by your nickname.
“Polks” got a celebration game against Brazil in-front of family and friends in her home state in Queensland and then a farewell game against Chinese Taipei in Geelong.
The defender made her international debut in 2006 against China in Shanghai as a 16-year-old and went on to be picked for five World Cups, five Asian Cups and three Olympic Games.
The 35-year-old exits the game with 169 appearances for the Matildas to her name that saw her go from playing in-front of small crowds to selling out stadiums.
Liverpool fans will have been left beaming after Uruguay’s stoppage time winner against Colombia.
But that’s not because they got to watch reds striker Darwin Nunez score it. Instead, it was his celebration they absolutely loved.
4
Nunez helped his side seal a dramatic victoryCredit: Getty
4
He ran and celebrated in an ex-Everton player’s faceCredit: X:@diazzcap
Colombia had been leading 2-1 going into added time of the World Cup qualifier, with Davinson Sanchez’s own goal and Rodrigo Aguirre’s effort cancelling out Colombia’s Juan Quintero’s first half opener.
The away side then thought they’d bagged a point at the death as Andre Gomez fired in an equaliser in the sixth minute of added time.
However, with 101 minutes on the clock, Colombia struck again through Manchester United‘s Manuel Ugarte to regain their lead and win the game.
As Uruguay’s players wheeled away in wild celebration, Nunez was spotted running toward’s Colombia’s players.
But it seems there was one player in particular he wanted to goad.
Nunez had a choice of two of his club’s bitter foes Everton’s ex players – Yerry Mina and James Rodriguez.
But the Liverpool star targeted Mina, spinning around and wildly celebrating at him before running off with the rest of his teammates.
The Uruguayan team were all in a bundle on the floor as they soaked in their last-ditch victory that put them above Colombia in the table.
The South American countries now sit level on 19 points each in second and third respectively, but Uruguay boast a better goal difference of eight compared to their rivals’ six.
Argentina remain top on 22 points.
4
Mina played for Everton between 2018 and 2023Credit: AFP
4
Mina and co were visibly gutted after the last minute lossCredit: Getty
Away from his wind-up antics, Nunez has also been firing in goals for Uruguay.
In June, he completed a run of scoring in seven games in a row, bagging 10 in the process.
That equalled a record set for his country set by Hector Scarone between 1927 and 1928.
He has also helped Liverpool go top of the Premier League.
Ally McCoist calls out Darwin Nunez’s lack of improvement for Liverpool in the Premier League
Nunez has bagged three goals in just seven starts out of 14 outings in all competitions, as well as two assists.
The French Football Federation (FFF) said on Tuesday it plans to lodge a complaint with FIFA and take legal action after racist chants from members of Argentina’s Copa America winning team.
FFF president Philippe Diallo “condemned with the greatest firmness the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against players of the France team”.
The chants were heard during a live video posted on social media by Chelsea and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from the team bus in the wake of the Copa victory over Colombia in Miami on Sunday.
Some players, including Fernandez, sing a chant dating back to the 2022 World Cup final that Argentina won against France.
The song targets France’s star striker Kylian Mbappe and includes homophobic insults as well as racist remarks.
ET goal solidifies TRIPLE CROWN dream | 00:51
“Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks, contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart and FIFA and to file a legal complaint for racial and discriminatory offensive remarks,” an FFF statement read.
Fernandez’s Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana criticised the video on social media.
“Football in 2024: racism without a complex,” the French international said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Chelsea is reportedly investigating Fernandez, while three of his club teammates – Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto and Fofana – unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera also called for world football’s governing body FIFA to take action.
“Pathetic. Behaviour all the more unacceptable because it is repeated,” Oudea-Castera wrote on X.
“FIFA: a reaction?” she added.
Argentina and France have maintained a heated rivalry since the South Americans’ last 16 elimination to eventual champions France at the 2018 World Cup.
Two years ago, the FFF also filed a complaint against racist comments on social media
Tournament organisers halted entry into the ground and delayed kick-off of the South American football showpiece by 30 minutes after throngs of fans were kept waiting at entry gates.
A statement by Copa America organisers on X, formerly Twitter, appeared to suggest the chaos had been caused by unticketed fans attempting to gain entry.
“Please be advised that people who do not have tickets will not be able to enter the stadium,” the statement said.
“Only those who have purchased tickets will be able to enter once access is reopened.
“The match will be postponed for 30 minutes, starting at 8.30pm local time (0030 GMT).” Police and security staff clashed with supporters who tried to enter the ground before kick off.
An AFP reporter on the scene witnessed several fans receiving treatment from paramedics inside the venue.
The Athletic’s Jack Lang branded the crowd issues as “the worst thing I have ever experienced.”
“So many kids in tears. Adults at their wits’ end. Those fans deserve huge credit for not erupting at some point there. Again, something like a miracle.”
Security had their hands full amid crowd trouble before the Copa America final. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Miami Dade Police said in a statement there had been “several incidents” prior to the game at the venue.
“These incidents have been a result of unruly behaviour of fans trying to access the stadium,” the statement said.
“We are asking everyone to be patient and abide by the rules set by our officers … unruly behaviour will get you ejected and/or arrested. We have a zero tolerance behaviour against unruly conduct from everyone attending.” Fans however took aim at the organisation of he event, with one Argentina supporter saying fans had been treated like “animals.” “They are treating us like animals, basically there’s no organisation whatsoever, there is nothing. I mean, they didn’t prepare for 60,000 people,” Cabarelli said.
“There is no preparation, people are fainting and passing out.” Asked if the situation had felt dangerous, Cabarelli said: “100 per cent. I’m still shaking. I feel like I’m a cow.”
Crowd chaos delayed the start of the Copa America final. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Other fans interviewed by AFP described chaotic scenes at the entrance gates, with some fans forcing their way into the venue past security staff as frustration boiled over.
“It was crazy, people were just trying to get in like crazy,” said David Fernandez, a Colombia fan from Gainesville, Florida.
“They just didn’t want to wait. They were just rushing over and running over. They’ve opened the gates three different times — it was good for two or three minutes and then everybody was just rushing.”
Rosy Riales said fans lining up in sweltering temperatures had got increasingly frustrated at the failure to open the gates on time.
“People are just riled up and excited, so they’re pushing and it’s like mayhem,” she told AFP. “They should have opened the gates sooner to let people in slowly.” The chaos comes amid heightened scrutiny of stadium security at the Copa America following a brawl which marred the end of Wednesday’s semi-final between Colombia and Uruguay.
Uruguayan players climbed into the stands and clashed with Colombian fans, claiming family members had been threatened in the aftermath of Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat.
Ten-man Colombia defeated Uruguay 1-0 to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time in 23 years after an ill-tempered semi-final that ended with chaotic scenes spilling into the stands.
A 39th-minute Jefferson Lerma header sealed victory for the Colombians, who will now face holders Argentina in Sunday’s final in Miami.
It was an anarchic semi-final played in front of a packed and passionate crowd which ended with scuffles on the field and fighting in the stands, including Liverpool star Darwin Nunez and several players who had climbed in among supporters amid the flying punches.
Watch selected NRL, AFL, SSN games plus every F1 qualifying session and race live in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial today.
Darwin Nunez was involved. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)Source: Getty ImagesIt was chaos. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Colombia, despite having Daniel Munoz sent off just before the interval and facing plenty of Uruguay pressure, hung on for a famous victory to the delight of their massive following of fans.
The downtown streets of the North Carolina city were packed with partying fans in bright yellow Colombia jerseys hours before the kick-off.
Inside the 74,800 capacity Bank of America Stadium, it was like a home game in Bogota with only pockets of Uruguayan supporters breaking up the wall of yellow on all four sides of the venue.
Not surprisingly in such an atmosphere, Colombia started strongly with their livewire Liverpool winger Luis Diaz doing well to wriggle some space for a cross on the left, finding Daniel Munoz at the back post but the full-back’s header was off target.
Uruguay were, as always, a threat on the counter-attack and their Liverpool star, Darwin Nunez, was close to finishing off one break when Rodrigo Bentancur found him with a clever pass but the forward poked his shot wide.
Nunez had another opening when Maximiliano Araujo played him clear in the inside-right channel but the striker rushed his shot, blasting high and wide.
At the other end, Colombia forced a turnover which led to James Rodriguez curling in a cross from the right but Jhon Cordoba’s header was off target.
Clutch England secures Euros final | 00:52
The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Lerma rose majestically above Jose Maria Gimenez and powerfully headed home Rodriguez’s corner.
It was the sixth assist of the tournament for Rodriguez with the former Real Madrid midfielder beating the record for most assists in a single Copa, which was set by Lionel Messi in 2021.
Colombia looked to make the most of their momentum with Richard Rios forcing a save out of Uruguay keeper Sergio Rochet, after being played in by Munoz.
But having been so influential down the right in the opening half, Munoz lost his head completely, just before the break, picking up a second yellow card, after landing an elbow on Manuel Ugarte.
It was a moment of madness which left Colombia to defend their lead with just 10 men for the entire second half.
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo took off Rodriguez, who was also on a yellow card, in the 62nd minute as Uruguay gradually began to turn their numerical advantage into real pressure.
Nicolas de la Cruz threatened with a low drive before substitute Luis Suarez clipped the outside of the post with a drive from the edge of the box after good work from Federico Valverde.
England celebrates Euros semi-finals win | 04:07
Valverde, the Real Madrid midfielder, then went close himself with a low drive as Colombia’s back-line continued to ride their luck.
Giveaway from Uruguay keeper and fell to Mateus Uribe, who despite time and space placed his shot wide of the post.
In stoppage time Uruguay had a great chance to force penalties when Nunez laid the ball off to substitute Giorgian de Arrascaeta on the edge of the box but he leaned back and put his shot over the bar.
There was still time for Uribe to waste another chance to make sure of the win, this time hitting the bar in the final minute, but he will be forgiven his wastefulness by the delirious Colombian supporters.
The celebrations were marred by ugly scenes in the stands will concern organisers CONMEBOL ahead of a final which is sure to attract huge numbers of Argentines as well as Colombians.
The London Stadium erupted into chaos in the stands on Friday – but the jubilant scenes had nothing to do with West Ham.
Spain took on Colombia in an international friendly at the Hammers’ home, with both sides preparing for Euro 2024 and Copa America respectively.
4
Colombia’s passionate fans have gone viralCredit: Getty
It was Colombia who were victorious in the end with a 1-0 win, marking the first time the South Americans have ever beaten Spain in their history.
But despite their only goal coming on the hour mark and there being plenty of time left to play, Colombia’s celebrations were something you only ever really see from the most passionate of fan bases.
And unfortunately for Hammers fans, rivals have seized the opportunity to fire digs at their usual support at home.
Liverpool‘s Luis Diaz went on a typically rapid run down the left-wing, before sending in a perfect ball across goal to the far post.
Crystal Palace‘s Daniel Munoz, who had been left unmarked, arrived just on time to spectacularly scissor-kick the ball into the back of Arsenal‘s David Raya‘s net.
The players themselves went wild in celebration, but fans watching the scenes on social media had their eyes glued to those in the stands, and hailing them for creating some of the ‘best limbs’ they’d seen at the London Stadium.
“Best limbs at West Ham you’ll ever see,” one fan wrote.”
A second added: “That stadium has never looked so good.”
4
Diaz had Spain’s defence on toast and sent a cross to the far postCredit: ViaPlay
4
And Munoz completed the move with an outrageous scissor kick on the volleyCredit: ViaPlay
4
Causing complete bedlam in the standsCredit: ViaPlay
“Colombia fans are different gravy,” another said.
Former Everton and Real Madrid star James Rodriguez came on in the second half, donning the no.10 and the captain’s armband.
OUTSTANDING from Colombia!
Brilliant wing play from Luis Diaz and then Daniel Muñoz unleashes an acrobatic scissors kick finish to put his nation ahead against Spain pic.twitter.com/023yxHTOqD
Meanwhile, Spain boasted Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, ex-Man City man Aymeric Laporte and Alvaro Morata, but couldn’t find the back of the net to mount a comeback.
Spain will face Brazil on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu. First though, the Selecao play England at Wembley on Saturday night, live on talkSPORT.
