Netherlands and Ajax great Marco van Basten has apologised after he used a term synonymous with the Nazi party live on television.
Marco van Basten has apologised after he was heard saying "sieg heil", a phrase synonymous with a Nazi salute, live on Dutch television.
Former Netherlands, Ajax and AC Milan forward Van Basten was working as an analyst for Fox Sports on Ajax's Eredivisie clash with Heracles on Saturday.
Prior to the match, Fox presenter Hans Kraay interviewed Heracles coach Frank Wormuth in German.
However, Kraay's attempt at conducting the interview in German amused Van Basten, who said: "Sieg heil, not so beautiful, pancake."
That sparked significant controversy, with "sieg heil" having been a phrase commonly used in Nazi Germany before and during World War II.
Van Basten has subsequently apologised, insisting he did not mean to cause offence.
"I didn't mean to shock people, I just wanted to ridicule Hans' German, but I'm sorry," the 55-year-old said.
Van Basten's comments follow on from Excelsior player Ahmad Mendes Moreira receiving racist abuse from Den Bosch supporters in a second-tier match last weekend.
The incident prompted Netherlands star Georginio Wijnaldum to vow to leave the pitch if he was racially abused, as well as calling on the Dutch government to act.
Protests were also held across the top two tiers in the Netherlands this weekend, with players standing still for the opening minute of each match.
laeabeilmu
0
yes !! it was stupid saying that !!! that's all !! don't dragged it to the extreme !!!!
exactly all that needs to be said is Marco really? you know every one is going to jump on you for referencing anthing with ww2! doesnt need every one to turn a mole hill into a mountain suddenly over it people need to lighten the f#$k up! lol
mesacdksy
0
Nazi is the worst word that can be said by a person
yes !! it was stupid saying that !!! that's all !! don't dragged it to the extreme !!!!
laeabeilmu
3
german football crowds still chant 'Seig' now which means? ?.... 'victory' wow how offensive typical all the 'lefties looking to be offended' once again! get over your selves! & 'Seig heil'!! is a chant for 'to Victory' basically that's it! lol
mesacdksy
2
storm in a glass of water again !!! Jesus Christ !!! let's talk about football !! he is not that kind of person !!!
laeabeilmu
0
Nazi is the worst word that can be said by a person
I think you can say worse than the word 'nazi' how ridiculous!
Thefootballbeast
0
Nazi is the worst word that can be said by a person
Noble_jr
0
Be careful because words spoken cannot be erased