After World Cup scandal: HSV icon van der Vaart apologises | OneFootball

To this day, Rafael van der Vaart remains one of the most popular players in HSV history. But now the former fan favorite is making headlines off the pitch.

Following a controversial remark during a TV analysis at the World Cup, the former playmaker has publicly apologized. The debate was sparked by the group-stage match between the Netherlands and Japan (2:2). As an expert for Dutch broadcaster NOS, van der Vaart analyzed Japan’s equalizer and criticized the defending of Micky van de Veen. The defender had completely lost sight of his opponent, the former HSV star initially explained.

However, the 109-time international then made a joke that caused considerable irritation. Referring to the Japanese players, van der Vaart said: “Of course they all look alike, maybe that’s what he thought.” There was initially an awkward silence in the studio before the former midfielder himself added: “That was obviously a joke. I hardly dare say anything anymore.”

Photo: Getty Images

HSV legend van der Vaart backtracks

The reactions were not long in coming. Numerous viewers considered the comment discriminatory. A short while later, van der Vaart responded through his management. In a statement cited by The Athletic, he stressed that it had “never been his intention” to “offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone.” He also said that he rejects racism in all forms and has “respect for people of every origin and background.”

He continued: “I understand that some people found my words hurtful,” van der Vaart said. “I am sincerely sorry for that. If I upset anyone with what I said, I apologize. That was never my intention.”

For the former HSV captain, who played at the Volkspark from 2005 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2015, and who became an absolute fan favorite especially during his first spell, the matter has at least been dealt with publicly. However, the discussion surrounding his remarks is likely to continue for some time.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.