Rafael van der Vaart says no racist or discriminatory intent behind Japan joke

Former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart has insisted there was no racist or discriminatory intent behind his remarks, after he said Japans players look alike live on air.

Van der Vaart, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is now a pundit, and was working for NOS TV in the Netherlands during his countrys first match of the World Cup.

The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in their opening game in Group F, with Daichi Kamada scoring a late equaliser from a corner for Hajime Moriyasus side.

Debating Japans late goal in the TV studio after the match, Van der Vaart discussed Micky van de Vens role in defending the corner.

He loses him completely, he said. You can see him moving around. If you are the one marking him, then you are responsible for your man. Look, hes completely unmarked. Van de Ven is nowhere to be seen. He is completely free to make that header.

Making reference to Japans players, he later added: They do all look alike of course, perhaps he thought that.

The remark led to an awkward silence in the studio, before Van der Vaart added: Thats a joke of course. Im scared to say anything at all.

Responding to those comments today, in a statement issued through his management team and seen by The Athletic, Van der Vaart said his intention was never to insult, hurt, or discriminate against anyone.

He added how he opposed racism in any form and had respect for people of every origin and background.

Van der Vaart, who also represented Real Madrid as a player before his spell at Tottenham, continued: 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.

What You Should Read Next

[Japans late goal stuns Netherlands: This was the World Cups best match so far]

Japans late goal stuns Netherlands: This was the World Cups best match so far

An 88th-minute equaliser from Daichi Kamada earned Japan a 2-2 draw in Dallas in a thrilling match between two teams intent on attacking

A joint statement from Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation to The Athletic read: Its hugely disappointing to hear former players peddling racist slurs about Japans team and then double down by trying to defend the comments as a joke.

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 Southeast Asian community, as we have seen with previous examples directed towards players.

The World Cup attracts massive global TV audiences, so its 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.

Elsewhere, during his analysis of Netherlands draw with Japan on Sunday, Van der Vaart was critical of Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, who was voted player of the match.

A bit like a Boeing 747 turning, the 43-year-old said about Liverpools captain. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.

The Athletic has contacted NOS for a comment.

Netherlands next play against Sweden in Houston on Saturday.