Bayern Munich defender Rafinha has apologized for attending the team’s Halloween party dressed as an Arab and holding what appeared to be a box of mock explosives, prompting a widespread backlash against the club and player.
Bayern’s official Twitter account shared a picture of several players dressed up in Halloween garb on Wednesday, including Brazil international Rafinha.
The 33-year-old was seen in traditional Arab dress with a headscarf as well as dark sunglasses, but was also carrying box labelled ‘Vorsicht’ – the German word for ‘caution’.
The tweet was later removed, although Rafinha further put his foot in it by posting an apology on Instagram accompanied by a picture of him in the offending get-up - minus the box of 'explosives' - as well as the closing line: “I have a lot of Arabian friends and I love everyone of them.”
That picture was later replaced by one of the right-back in action for Bayern with an updated apology: “Halloween is a scary celebration with exaggerated costumes.
"It was not my intention to anger anyone through my disguise or hurt someone’s feelings!!!
"I am sorry... I am respect all countries and all religions!!!”
Bayern shared the player’s apology with its 4.5 million followers on Twitter, although not after Rafinha had come in for a dressing down from many online.
In December, French international Antoine Griezmann caused a storm after posting a picture of himself in ‘blackface’ as part of a basketball star fancy dress costume for an 80s-themed Christmas party.
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After initially defending the costume, Griezmann tweeted an apology, saying “I agree that it's awkward for me. If I hurt some people excuse me.”