Van der Vaart apologizes after insulting Japanese players on TV
Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation called the remarks racist and urged broadcasters to monitor guests more closely.
Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart apologized after making a comment that Japanese players “all look alike” while serving as a pundit on NOS TV. The remark came as he analyzed Koki Ogawa’s equalizer in Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, after Micky van de Ven failed to track the striker’s movement. Van der Vaart said he did not intend to offend, hurt or discriminate against anyone, and regretted the comment if it caused pain. Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation condemned the remarks as racist abuse and said the argument that it was only a joke did not erase the impact on East and Southeast Asian communities.