Rafael van der Vaart has apologised after saying that Japan players “all look alike” during their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, a remark that prompted immediate condemnation from anti-discrimination charities.
The 43-year-old former Tottenham midfielder was working as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS TV when he made the comment while analysing Micky van de Ven’s defending for Japan’s late equaliser. “They all look alike, of course, maybe he thought that,” Van der Vaart said, referring to the Tottenham defender losing Koki Ogawa’s run.
“Van der Vaart apologises after commenting Japan players 'all look alike' during Netherlands draw.”
Van der Vaart, capped 109 times for the Netherlands and a member of the 2010 World Cup final losing team, quickly issued an apology. “It was never my intention to offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone,” he said. “I oppose racism in all its forms and have respect for people of every background, ethnicity, and culture. I understand that some people may have found my words offensive or hurtful. I sincerely regret that. If my comment has caused pain or upset, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies. That was never my intention.”
But the apology did little to mollify Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation, charities that fight discrimination. In a joint statement, they criticised Van der Vaart and called on broadcasters to take greater responsibility. “It’s hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist slurs about Japan’s team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke,” the statement read. “Even if he claims there was no racist intent in what he said, the comments can still have an impact on those involved, and the wider East and South East Asian community, as we have seen with previous examples directed towards players. The World Cup attracts massive global TV audiences, so it’s always important that guests are careful with their language and that broadcasters take responsibility for those appearing on their shows, whether that is through additional education or training.”