Chelsea's £88 million signing Mykhailo Mudryk has been forced to apologise after a video of him using the N-word resurfaced.
The Ukrainian, who signed an eight-and-a-half year contract with Chelsea after nipping in ahead of Arsenal, was filmed rapping along to Lil Baby's hit 'Freestyle' in July.
The track from the US rapper was released in 2017 and sees the racial term used 16 times in 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
A 40-second clip of Mudryk, 22, reciting the lyrics while next to an Audi sports car alongside a friend, has gone viral on TikTok and racked up over 200,000 views.
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It's since been removed as a result of the backlash and through his team, the player has issued an apology for any offence caused.
"Mykhailo is deeply sorry for any offence caused by the video posted on his TikTok account last July," a representative told The Sun.
"Whilst his intention was solely to recite lyrics of a song, Mykhailo regrets his decision and wholeheartedly accepts it was not appropriate. The video has since been removed.”
But Kick It Out, the anti-racism group, also issued a statement where they explained how the phrase was "deeply offensive".
They did also add that they were "encouraged" by the former Shakhtar Donetsk acknowledging his use of the slur.
A response said: “Kick It Out condemns the use of all racial slurs, including the N-word irrespective of context.
"The N-word is deeply offensive and the use of this term by high-profile figures in football can only serve to alienate people from the game.
“It is important that footballers use their significant platform in a positive way, and we’re encouraged to see that Mykaylo Mudryk has acknowledged the hurt caused by his use of this offensive slur.”
READ MORE: Transfer deadline day LIVE: Latest news and rumours ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Mudryk made his Chelsea debut as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, producing an exciting cameo in 35 minutes.
Chelsea will be hoping he gets a start in the west London derby against Fulham on Friday night.
Topics: Chelsea, Mykhailo Mudryk, Shakhtar Donetsk
Josh Lawless