World Cup Announcer Under Fire For Racist “Joke” About Japanese Players On Live TV
A Dutch World Cup broadcaster has come under heavy criticism after making a controversial comment about Japan’s national team during a live TV broadcast.
Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart made the remark while working as an analyst for Dutch broadcaster NOS following Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
While discussing a defensive mistake by Dutch defender Micky van de Ven, Van der Vaart joked that all Japanese players look the same. He suggested that Van de Ven may have mixed up one Japanese player with another during the play.
“They do all look alike, of course, perhaps he thought that,” Van der Vaart said. But he was clever enough to make it up, adding, “That’s a joke, of course. I’m scared to say anything at all.”
While Japanese fans have earned praise from people around the world during the World Cup, but many immediately hated it calling this a racist stereotype directed at Japanese players.
Van der Vaart Issues Public Apology
As criticism grew, Van der Vaart responded with a public apology. He said he never intended to offend anyone and regretted the reaction his words caused.
“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,” he said in a statement provided to The Athletic.
Van der Vaart also said he takes the criticism seriously and understands that people can interpret comments differently.
“Therefore, I think it is important to make it clear that there was no racist or discriminatory intent behind my statement,” he said.
“I hope this explanation provides more clarity about my intentions and the context in which the remark was made.”
His apology did not end the controversy.
A spokesperson for Kick It Out, an organization that works to eliminate racism from soccer, strongly condemned the comment. The group argued that public figures should understand the impact of the same old outlook, especially during a global event such as the World Cup.
“It’s hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist stereotypes about Japan’s team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that intent does not erase the effect such remarks can have on players and Asian communities around the world.
They also urged broadcasters to take greater responsibility for the people who appear on their programs. The group called for better education and training to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
World Cup Announcer Under Fire For Racist “Joke” About Japanese Players On Live TV
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