Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has apologised for a racist post on social media that has caused outrage in the Far East.
Huijsen went on Instagram on Saturday evening and reposted a film review of an Asian movie. The image on the post featured screenshots from the comments section that contained racist slurs, such as “You could blindfold him with dental floss.”
The remark is associated with the derogatory description of the shape of Asian people’s eyes.
Huijsen has deleted the post and issued an apology that read: “I sincerely apologise to my Chinese friends. Previously, I inadvertently reposted a post containing offensive content, which was purely unintentional, and I apologise for the distress caused.”
Asian fans disappointed by localised apology
The apology was posted on Weibo, a platform used primarily in China, and not on the player’s or the club’s more globally followed accounts such as X, Facebook or Instagram.
That has led to a further backlash, particularly at a time when Madrid have been very vocal in their support of winger Vinicius Jr.
The Brazil international accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of using a racial slur towards him during last week’s Champions League game in Lisbon.
UEFA is investigating the claim. Prestianni denies any wrongdoing.
Huijsen is currently sidelined with an injury and did not play in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Osasuna – a loss that saw Madrid relinquish top spot in La Liga following Barcelona’s win over Levante yesterday.
The 20-year-old has made 18 appearances for Madrid in La Liga this season – his first at the Santiago Bernabeu following a £50million move from Bournemouth last summer.
