Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann faces fresh racism accusations after second Asian tour video emerges
- Striker and teammate Ousmane Dembele both issue statements via social media on Monday over leaked Barcelona tour videos
- Latest leaked clip appears to show World Cup winner mocking Asian language while wearing club clothing
France star Antoine Griezmann has found himself in hot water over a second video that has seen the footballer face accusations of racism towards Asians, with the video widely shared following a statement where he apologised if he offended his “Japanese friends”.
France winger Ousmane Dembele is again in the video, as he was in the first controversial clip, with the winger and Samuel Umtiti in other hot tubs. Neither of the other men reacts to the words said.
The trio are all wearing FC Barcelona clothing, indicating it was taken while on a club tour.
Barcelona last visited Asia in 2019, travelling to Japan. Both shirt sponsor Rakuten and video game partner Konami are Japanese.
A video last week showed Griezmann being filmed by teammate Dembele while the former laughed along at comments made by his Barcelona teammate as two men attended to a television in what appeared to be a hotel room. Dembele was accused of racism and classism for his comments.
“Hello everyone,” Dembele wrote in French, “lately, a private video from 2019 circulated on the social networks.
“The scene happens in Japan. It could have happened anywhere on the planet, I would have used the same expressions. Therefore I was not aiming at any community. I happen to use these kind of expressions in private, with friends, and it doesn’t matter their origin.
“This video is now public. Therefore I concede that the video could hurt the people in these images. Therefore, I offer my sincere apologies.”
Griezmann made a statement on his Twitter on Monday, also writing in French.
“I have always been committed against any form of discrimination. For the past few days, some people have wanted to pass me off as the man I am not. I firmly refute the accusations made against me and I am sorry if I could offend my Japanese friends.”
The second video, believed to be another leaked Snapchat, was shared by some users in response to Griezmann to refute his statement.
Both Dembele and Griezmann were on France duty at Euro 2020 before the World Cup winners were knocked out by Switzerland in the round of 16.
