Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann have both apologised this week after an old video was leaked across social media that showed them both seemingly mocking Asian staff in a hotel.
The video, which was recorded by Dembele, is during Barcelona's pre-season tour in 2019 and shows both players laughing at technicians who are trying to assist them with the television in their hotel room.
After the footage was released over the past week, the French teammates who have recently left Euro 2020 after a disappointing loss to Switzerland, have released statements on social media.
Dembele wrote on an Instagram story: "Hello all, during these last few days, a private video dating back to 2019 has been circulating on social media. It all took place in Japan. It could've taken place anywhere on the planet and I would've used the same expression.
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"I was therefore not targetting any community. I just happened to use this type of expression with my friends regardless of their origins.
"This video has since been made public. I appreciate therefore that it could've hurt the people present in these images. Because of this, I would like to sincerely apologise to them."
Later that day, Griezmann said on Twitter: "I have always been completely against all forms of discrimination.
"For the past few days, certain people have wanted to paint me as someone that I am not. I firmly refute the accusations made against me and I'm sorry if I have offended any of my Japanese friends."
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Whilst both players have suggested that their comments are not discriminatory, this has caused widespread outrage across social media with many condemning their actions.
At this moment in time, it is unclear whether the players will be punished for their actions by Barcelona, the Spanish FA or the France Football Federation.
Topics: Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, France
