Victor Edvardsen has been punished by Go Ahead Eagles after mocking Angelo Stiller with an offensive gesture.
Go Ahead Eagles suffered a bruising 4-0 home defeat to Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday.
But the Europa League tie was marred by the incident between Stuttgart ace Stiller and Go Ahead Eagles forward Edvardsen.
In the second-half, Edvardsen clashed with Stiller and aimed a shocking taunt about his opponent's appearance.
Advert
After fouling Atakan Karazor, he provoked the 24-year-old midfielder, who was born with a cleft lip, with a mocking gesture, repeatedly pointing at his noise - prompting an on-pitch scuffle as players immediately confronted the Swede.
Stiller, who was furious, exchanged words with Edvardsen as the match referee tried to defuse the situation.
Speaking after the game, Edvardsen refused to apologise for his controversial actions.
"I wanted to inject some extra energy into our team," he said. "Adrenaline got the better of me. I play with a lot of emotion. I haven't apologised yet, and I don't know if I will.
Advert
"If I see him again, I could apologise. But emotion is part of football. It's easy to say sorry, but he also said things you don't know about. He could also apologise to me."
A day removed from their crushing defeat to Stuttgart, Go Ahead Eagles have released a statement confirming they have hit Edvardsen with a fine of €500.
The player himself has also apologised.
Advert
The Dutch club said: "Go Ahead Eagles and Victor Edvardsen regret the incident from last night. The club has imposed a fine of 500 euros on Edvardsen, which will be donated to the club's social branch."
Edvardsen added: "I want to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. Things were said and done between us that do not belong on a football pitch. After the match, I went to the Stuttgart locker room to offer my apologies.
"I have a role as an example to others, and I must behave accordingly."
Wesley Sneijder accuses Victor Edvardsen of 'bullying' Angelo Stiller
Edvardsen's post-match interview angered Wesley Sneijder, who slammed the Go Ahead Eagles player following his offensive gesture aimed at Stiller.
Advert
He accused the 29-year-old of 'bullying' the German starlet.
"He wants to keep playing that tough guy," exclaimed Sneijder. "You're a role model for kids. This is just bullying. I think this is terrible. As a club, you should grab that kid by the ear and take him to the Stuttgart dressing room.
"As a player, you're setting an example. Children see this, and they shouldn't start to accept it as normal. If you ask me, he's out of his mind. Let's just leave it at that: the longer I talk about it, the angrier I get."
Topics: Football
Nasir Jabbar