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Ex-Premier League star turned TV pundit apologises for 'racist' World Cup comment

An outspoken former Premier League footballer who loves to criticise current players has apologised after he was caught in the centre of a racism storm following a shocking comment

[Rafael van der Vaart]

Rafael van der Vaart made controversial comments during his analysis (Image: NOS)

An outspoken former Premier League star has apologised after he was caught up in a World Cup racism storm.

Rafael van der Vaart, who turned out for Tottenham Hotspur on these shores, is working in his native Netherlands for NOS TV on the World Cup, where he can normally be found criticising the current crop of Oranje stars, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

The ex-Real Madrid midfielder was a pundit as the Dutch drew their opening clash with Japan 2-2. When speaking about Spurs defender Micky van der Ven's role at a corner from which his side conceded, he said: Hes completely lost (his man), you can see him running around, he said. If youre the one assigned to man-mark, then youre responsible for your man.

[Micky van de Ven]

Micky van de Ven lost his man as Japan equalised(Image: 2026 Steve Limentani/ISI Photos)

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They do look alike, of course, maybe he thought that. Thats a joke, of course. Im almost afraid to say anything.

After coming under fire for the ignorant comments, Van der Vaart has issued a statement, via The Athletic and his management team. Van der Vaart said his intention was "never to insult, hurt, or discriminate against anyone".

The former Ajax man insisted that he opposed racism in any form and had "respect for people of every origin and background".

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He said: "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."

Van der Vaart - who in the past infamously laid into Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire - was highly critical of Virgil van Dijk's performance versus Japan. He said: A bit like a Boeing 747 turning...I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.

The Dutch are back in action on Saturday as they clash with Sweden.

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