Former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart has apologised for a discriminatory remark he made after the team's 2-2 draw against Japan at the World Cup.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that van der Vaart said there was no racist or discriminatory intent” behind his remark on a post-game analysis in which he said that Japan’s players “all look alike” while explaining a defensive mistake in Japan's late equalizer.
He added into thee ensuing silence: “That’s a joke of course. I’m scared to say anything at all.”
The report quoted former SV Hamburg, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur player van der Vaart as saying his intention was “never to insult, hurt, or discriminate against anyone.
“I understand that some people found my words hurtful. I sincerely regret that. If I have upset people because of this, I offer my apologies. That was never my intention."
A spokesperson from anti discrimination group Kick It Out told The Athletic: “It’s hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist stereotypes about Japan’s team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke."
