Such things can no longer be said today. Van der Vaart apologizes to all affected
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Van der Vaart was speaking in the studio after the opening Group F match at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, where the "Oranje" drew 2-2 with Japan.
Regarding Daichi Kamada's equalizing goal late in the game, he remarked that Dutch defender Micky van de Ven made a mistake and tried to justify it: "They all look alike, maybe that's what he thought." A silence then fell over the studio. "Of course, that's a joke. I'm afraid to say anything," added the 43-year-old Dutchman.
The former player for Hamburg, Real Madrid, and Tottenham later stated that he did not intend to offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone.
"I understand that some people found my words hurtful. I am sincerely sorry. If I upset anyone because of this, I apologize. That was never my intention," DPA news agency quoted van der Vaart as saying.
More on the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Full Schedule
- Complete Results
- Standings
- News from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- World Cup TV Schedule
- Team Jerseys
- Stadiums
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