Dean Huijsen Real Madrid Apology for Racist Post in China Not on Global Sites

Real Madrid player Dean Huijsen apologized for a racist post on Chinese social media, but the apology did not appear on his international accounts. This is different from how other issues have been handled.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

A recent incident involving Real Madrid player Dean Huijsen has sparked widespread concern and demands for accountability. Huijsen reposted content on social media that was widely perceived as racist and offensive to Asian people. This action has led to a significant backlash, particularly from fans in China, who are questioning the sincerity and scope of the subsequent apology issued by both the player and the club. The situation highlights the complex challenges of cultural sensitivity in globalized sports and the impact of social media on public perception.

Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen is forced to apologise on Chinese social media platform after sharing 'racist' post - 1

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began when Dean Huijsen, a 20-year-old Dutch-Spanish defender for Real Madrid, reposted an image or video on his social media accounts. Chinese users identified the content as racist, specifically noting comments that alluded to the shape of Asian people's eyes.

Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen is forced to apologise on Chinese social media platform after sharing 'racist' post - 2

  • Initial Action: Huijsen shared the content, which was later deleted from his accounts.

  • Player's Response: Huijsen eventually issued an apology, stating the repost was unintentional and expressing regret for any distress caused.

  • Club's Involvement: Real Madrid also released a statement, making clear the content did not represent the club's values.

Nature of the Reposted Content

The exact content Huijsen reposted has been described through various reports, but a common theme emerges regarding its offensive nature towards Asian individuals.

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Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen is forced to apologise on Chinese social media platform after sharing 'racist' post - 3

  • Description of Content: Reports indicate it was an image or video with accompanying comments.

  • Offensive Element: The primary issue was the racist allusion to the shape of Asian people's eyes.

  • Deletion: Huijsen removed the reposted material after it began to generate outrage.

The Apology and Fan Reaction

The apology issued by Huijsen and Real Madrid has been a central point of contention, with many Chinese fans deeming it insufficient.

Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen is forced to apologise on Chinese social media platform after sharing 'racist' post - 4

  • Platform Limitation: The apology was primarily posted on Weibo, a social media platform specific to China.

  • Lack of Global Reach: Critically, there was no parallel statement on Huijsen's personal international accounts (like Instagram or X) or the club's global platforms.

  • Fan Demands: Chinese fans have expressed dissatisfaction, calling for a more comprehensive apology, such as a public statement on international platforms or a video message, to ensure genuine remorse.

  • Perception of Insincerity: Some fans interpret the limited apology as a move to protect the club's commercial interests in China rather than a heartfelt admission of wrongdoing.

"The statement has not appeared on Huijsen's Instagram, X, or the club's international channels." - Global Times

"Demands for a more transparent, worldwide apology or a video statement, with supporters questioning whether the remorse is genuine or merely a branding exercise to protect the club's heavy commercial interests in the region." - Goal.com US

Real Madrid's Stance and Club Values

Real Madrid has publicly condemned the content shared by Huijsen, emphasizing that it does not align with the club's principles.

  • Club Condemnation: The club, through official channels, stated that the shared content did not represent its values.

  • Focus on Values: This statement aims to distance the club from the offensive material and reaffirm its commitment to combating racism, particularly in light of other recent incidents involving player Vinícius Júnior.

  • Diplomatic Approach: The club utilized a "diplomatic channel" to communicate its condemnation, suggesting a careful handling of the international relations aspect of the controversy.

"The club, through a diplomatic channel, condemned the video and made clear it did not represent the club's values." - ESPN

Huijsen's Situation Amidst Other Challenges

This incident occurs while Huijsen is reportedly experiencing other difficulties in his football career.

  • Injury Concerns: Reports suggest he has been dealing with an injury-plagued spell, which has impacted his development.

  • Squad Integration: The young player, despite some initial positive impressions, has faced struggles since joining Real Madrid.

  • Timing of Controversy: The racist controversy adds another layer of challenge to his burgeoning career.

Broader Context of Racism in Football

The Huijsen incident occurs within a broader and ongoing conversation about racism in football, particularly concerning Real Madrid.

  • Vinícius Júnior Case: The controversy unfolds while Real Madrid is actively involved in addressing accusations of racism directed at their player Vinícius Júnior.

  • Contrasting Approaches: Critics have pointed out the perceived disparity between the club's swift and localized apology for Huijsen's actions and the ongoing public discussions and actions related to Vinícius Júnior's experiences with racism.

  • Global Sensitivity: This situation underscores the need for global sports organizations and their players to be acutely aware of cultural sensitivities across different markets.

Expert and Fan Perspectives

Reactions to the incident highlight a divide between the official statements and the genuine sentiment of the affected fan base.

  • Fan Discontent: Major Chinese fan groups have publicly voiced their dissatisfaction and have formally contacted the club seeking action.

  • Skepticism: There is palpable skepticism regarding the sincerity of the apology due to its limited reach.

  • Calls for Education: Some observers argue that such incidents highlight a gap in education and awareness regarding racial issues among athletes.

"A major Chinese Real Madrid fan group publicly stated they emailed the club demanding action and urging supporters to await an official response." - Global Times

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

Several aspects of the situation remain unclear, and further actions are anticipated.

  • Scope of Future Apology: Will Huijsen or Real Madrid issue a broader, more public apology on international platforms?

  • Player's Personal Statement: Will Huijsen make a personal statement beyond the club-issued apology on Weibo?

  • Club's Internal Review: Is the club conducting a deeper review of its social media policies and player education regarding cultural sensitivity?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Real Madrid player Dean Huijsen apologize to China?
Dean Huijsen apologized after he reposted content on social media that many people in China found racist and offensive, especially comments about the shape of Asian eyes. He deleted the post and said it was a mistake.
Q: Where did Dean Huijsen and Real Madrid apologize for the racist post?
The apology from Dean Huijsen and Real Madrid was mainly posted on Weibo, a Chinese social media site. There was no apology on Huijsen's international accounts like Instagram or X, or on the club's main global pages.
Q: Why are fans in China unhappy with Dean Huijsen's apology?
Fans in China are unhappy because the apology was only on a Chinese platform and not shared globally. They feel it is not a sincere apology and worry it's just to protect the club's business in China.
Q: What did Real Madrid say about the offensive content shared by Dean Huijsen?
Real Madrid said that the content shared by Dean Huijsen does not match the club's values. They used a 'diplomatic channel' to say they condemned the post and want to show they are against racism.
Q: What happens next after Dean Huijsen's apology for the racist post?
It is not clear if Huijsen or Real Madrid will make a wider apology on global platforms. Fans want a more public statement, and it is unknown if the club will review its social media rules for players.