Former Dutch International Apologizes for Racist Joke During Japan Match

Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has apologized for his joke that "all Japanese people look alike," a comment he made on Dutch television channel NOS during a broadcast. Invited to comment on the 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan, Van der Vaart made the inappropriate remark while discussing Daichi Kamada's late equalizer, attributing it to a defensive error by Micky van de Ven. "They all look alike anyway. Maybe he thought so too," he quipped about his compatriot. "It was a joke, of course. I'm already afraid I can't say anything anymore," the former Real Madrid player immediately reacted.

Following a wave of backlash over his ill-advised joke, Van der Vaart was compelled to issue a formal apology. "I understand that some people found my words offensive. I sincerely regret that. If anyone felt offended by these comments, I offer my apologies. That was absolutely not my intention," he stated, clarifying that his apology extended to people of all backgrounds and from all walks of life. However, his apology was not accepted by the English anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out, which accused him of "racist stereotypes." The organization emphasized the particular responsibility of commentators and analysts, whose words reach an audience of hundreds of millions of viewers and listeners.