Former Tottenham midfielder issues apology after saying Japanese players 'all look alike'

Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has apologised after saying that Japan's players "all look alike".

The Dutchman's comments came during the Netherlands' contest with Japan, which ended 2-2.

Van der Vaart was a pundit for the Dutch broadcaster NOS TV when he made the comment after Micky van de Ven failed to track Koki Ogawa's run.

The former midfielder said: "They all look alike, of course, maybe he thought that."

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Van der Vaart apologised for the racial comment, adding it was never his intention to offend anyone.

He said: "It was never my intention to offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone.

"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.

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"If my comment has caused pain or upset, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies. That was never my intention."

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, and the Frank Soo Foundation hit out at Van der Vaart, saying: "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.

"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."

It was a disappointing result for the Dutch, who entered the game as heavy favourites against Japan.

A late goal, which deflected off Daichi Kamada, earned Japan a point, having fought back twice after goals from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville.

Despite the disappointing result, the Netherlands' head coach, Ronald Koeman, defended his tactics.

He said: "There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn't defend well.

"Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they started defending as well.

"So we could have scored a third goal. So I don't regret my choices."

Koeman said the Netherlands played at a "minimal standard" and suggested the media underplayed their opposition.

He said: "Of course we can perform better and we need to grow during the tournament. This definitely was not our best performance.

"Of course, we would have preferred to win the first game. We expected to."

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