VIDEO: Angel Di Maria denies 'Michael Jackson crotch gesture' was aimed at Real Madrid supporters
The club have started an investigation into the incident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Is this an offensive act or merely a "natural movement"?
Angel Di Maria has apologised if his 'crotch grabbing' gesture, likened to a Michael Jackson dance move, caused offence to any Real Madrid supporters. He also denied that it was done deliberately as he left the pitch to apparent jeers from the Bernabeu crowd when he was substituted for Gareth Bale in the 64-minute of Real’s 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Tuesday.
The incident has caused a stir in Spain, with reports of the Argentine's unhappiness at being on the periphery of the Real side, but the winger has rubbished these claims, saying that it just a “ natural movement” which was not aimed at the fans.
“I made a normal gesture when I was going off. I did not want to do anything aimed at the fans or the manger either like people were saying,” Di Maria claimed.
“It was a natural movement which all men make especially when you are running. You do it a lot on the pitch.
“The truth is that if anyone was offended by it I apologise, but it is like I have said. I made a natural movement which was not aimed at anyone in particular. On the TV you can see that it is a fraction of a second. It is nothing.”
The 25-year-old will still have to explain himself to Real officials, however, who have started an investigation into the incident.
“I think it is the right thing to do. Not just for them, who have started the investigation, but also for me as it means I can explain the situation and what happened.
"I think it is good as I can talk to them directly and explain what happened on the pitch."
His team-mate, the defender Sergio Ramos has seen the funny side, mocking the gesture by posting a picture on Twitter of himself posing next to picture of the most famous crotch grabber of them all, the 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments