Categories: LatestSports

Writer Apologises to Barca Teenager Ansu Fati over Racist Slant

Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann has offered his support to teammate Ansu Fati after the 17-year-old was the subject of a racist description in a match report of the team’s 5-1 win over Ferencváros. Fati scored one goal and assisted another in Wednesday’s victory, after which a report in Spanish newspaper ABC praised the teenager’s performance with highly inappropriate and troubling language.

In the article, Fati’s speed was compared to that of a ‘black street seller’, running away from the police with a ‘jungle-like stampede’. Unsurprisingly, the article has been widely condemned online, with Griezmann taking to Twitter to plead for respect for Fati.

“Ansu is an exceptional guy who deserves respect like any human being,” the Frenchman wrote. “No to racism and no to bad education.”

The writer of the initial article, ABC’s Salvador Sostres, posted an apology on Thursday morning, insisting it was a misunderstanding and simply a poor attempt at a compliment.

“In Barça’s report about the match against Ferencváros, in my desire to praise the beauty of Ansu’s movements, and his class as a very young player, some expressions were taken as racist contempt,” Sostres said.

“Nothing is further from my intention, nor from my opinion, which is very favourable to the player as I have expressed in all my reports since he debuted. “I am deeply sorry for the misunderstanding and I apologise to anyone who may have been offended.”

As noted by Cadena SER’s Sique Rodríguez, Barcelona are planning to take legal action against Sostres for his comments on Fati, with lawyers prepared to start proceedings Thursday.

The comments brought what was otherwise an impressive evening for Barcelona to a disappointing end. The 5-1 win ensured Barcelona ended a run of two games without a victory and raised morale ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Real Madrid.

Ronald Koeman’s side have played one game fewer than their rivals and can move level with Real on ten points if they emerge victorious.

Follow us on:

AriseNews

Recent Posts

Atiku Mocks Tinubu’s Administration + Remi Tinubu To Lead National Prayer Over Hardship + Trending With Ojy Okpe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hO0t4ncNv4 It’s Election Day in America, and as Americans head to the polls to vote…

54 mins ago

APC Bombs Atiku, Says Ex-VP Africa’s Most Serial Election Loser

"Make no mistake. Atiku is Africa’s most infamous presidential election loser.” APC National Publicity Secretary…

1 hour ago

Gallant Ousted as Defence Minister, Netanyahu Cites Deteriorating Trust

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has dismissed Defence Minister Gallant, citing a lack of trust amid…

1 hour ago

NNPC Calls For Greater Collaboration, Transparency In Global Decarbonisation Efforts

NNPC has called for collaboration and transparency in global decarbonisation, highlighting Africa’s challenge of reducing…

1 hour ago

Trump Votes in Florida, Expresses Confidence as Americans Decide Between Him and Harris

Former President Trump has cast his vote in Florida, expressing optimism about his chances in…

2 hours ago

Yusuf Lauds Tinubu, Receives 73 Kano Detained Minors

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has praised President Tinubu for releasing 76 detained minors after…

3 hours ago