Rafael van der Vaart has issued an apology over an offensive 'joke' he made about Japan's World Cup team, while insisting there was 'no racist or discriminatory intent' behind his remarks.
The 43-year-old was providing punditry for the Netherlands' opening group-stage clash with Japan when he made headlines for all the wrong reasons with his post-match analysis. Giving his thoughts just moments after the 2-2 draw on Dutch TV channel NOS, Van der Vaart picked apart where he felt Ronald Koeman's side impressed and needed to improve.
But Van der Vaart landed himself in hot water when he 'jokingly' cited Japan's players all 'looking alike' as a possible explanation for Micky van de Ven's mixed performance in Dallas.
Controversial comments
'The perfect corner is really very difficult to defend,' the former Netherlands, Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder said while watching back replays of Daichi Kamada's late equaliser for Japan. 'This one came with the right speed, just over the five-yard line. With a bit of luck it would have gone in, but the corner was amazing.'
'They [the Japanese players] do look alike, of course, maybe he [Van de Ven] thought that… That's a joke, of course. I hardly dare say anything.'
Van der Vaart went on to criticise Koeman's players for sitting back and failing to 'push harder' having earlier likened Virgil van Dijk's turning power to that of a 'Boeing 747'.
'I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk,' Van der Vaart said about the Dutch captain at the half-time break. 'With him, I thought: that doesn't look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.'
Backlash and apology
Needless to say, Van der Vaart's comments about Japan's players were met with fierce criticism from fans across the globe, many shocked to discover he would think such remarks were acceptable.
Responding to the backlash, Van der Vaart – according to The Athletic – stressed through his management team that his intention was 'never to insult, hurt, or discriminate against anyone'. Van der Vaart also underlined that he had the utmost 'respect for people of every origin and background'.
The ex-Spurs man, who represented the Netherlands at two World Cups, went on: '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.'
'I take the reactions that have arisen seriously and understand that words can be interpreted differently. Therefore, I think it is important to make it clear that there was no racist or discriminatory intent behind my statement. I hope this explanation provides more clarity about my intentions and the context in which the remark was made.'
The Netherlands, who sit joint-second with Japan in Group F, return to action against Sweden at Houston's NRG Stadium on Saturday. Japan, meanwhile, head to Monterrey to lock horns with Tunisia in their next encounter.
