An international footballer has now issued an apology after punching a fan alleged to have racially abused one of his teammates.
After racists chants were once again aimed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior recently, the issue of racism in football has been in the headlines.
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Hundreds of people in Brazil took to the streets in protest of the treatment the 22-year-old has been subjected to in Spain, while current and former players have sent messages of support to the winger and called out those responsible for such reprehensible behaviour.
With the issue being one of the most discussed topics since, a similar incident appears to have taken place in the Eredivisie on the weekend.
According to The Athletic, Ajax Amsterdam and Netherlands star Steven Berghuis has now apologised for punching an FC Twente supporter, with the altercation having been caught on camera.
It is alleged the fan was being racist towards Ajax striker Brian Brobbey after the two clubs met on Sunday, with Berghuis taking matters into his own hands before getting on to the team bus.
Here is the incident in question:
Yesterday after the match, Steven Berghuis hit a FC Twente supporter. The fan, allegedly, racially abused Brian Brobbey. Berghuis expressed regret and was fined by the club.Good on you, Steven. No place for racism in this world.#Ajax pic.twitter.com/bLTbsLjmEa
— All About Ajax (@AllAboutAjax) May 29, 2023
"I regret my actions, I should not have done this," a statement from Berghuis read.
"After every away game, we get a lot of threats thrown at us at the bus while we take time out to sign autographs for fans.
"I'm used to it by now but people think they can just shout anything.
"My reaction doesn't solve anything. I get that.
"It's not good, I have an exemplary role as a player of Ajax."
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Ajax's 3-1 defeat at Twente ensured that Berghuis' side finished third on the Eredivisie table, behind winners Feyenoord and runners-up PSV Eindhoven.
It is also the first time the club has missed out on the league title since Erik ten Hag's first season in charge in the 2017/18 campaign.
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