Real Madrid midfielder denies celebration was racist after Korean outcry over controversial gesture
Federico Valverde's thoughtlessness echoes that of Ezequiel Lavezzi, who had to apologise after making a similar gesture in China last month
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.Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde has denied making a racist gesture, despite causing local offence at the Under-20 World Cup in South Korea.
The Real Madrid starlet has impressed during the tournament, helping his nation to the semi-finals with the equaliser and then a goal in the shootout as they knocked Portugal out in Sunday's quarter-final.
But his goal celebration startled the locals in Daejeon, where he pulled his eyes back to make them into slits.
Argentinean international Ezequiel Lavezzi last month apologised after pulling a similar face to mimic Chinese characteristics during a promotional campaign for the Chinese Super League.
The Argentine, who joined Hebei CFFC from PSG in a big money deal last year, was pictured making the gesture while in team kit, and both the player and the club released statements in an attempt to diffuse the situation.
Valverde, meanwhile, tweeted in Korean to deny there was any racist intent behind his celebration.
"It is not a racist celebration," he said. "It was a private celebration for friends. I did not have any racist intent. I'd like to apologise."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments