Ousmane Dembele issues grovelling apology after leaked social media clip

Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele has issued a grovelling apology after a leaked social media video appeared to show him mocking Asian technicians' background and appearance.

It is believed that the technicians were trying to solve a problem in a hotel room, with three men in conversation gathered around an illuminated television screen and one wearing a t-shirt with 'The Staff' on the back.

In the video, Dembele mocked their looks, language and the country's supposed 'technological advance', but now the France international has offered his 'sincere apologies' for the 2019 clip.

He wrote in a statement: 'Recently, a private video from 2019 has been circulating on social networks.

'The scene happens to be in Japan. It could have taken place anywhere on the planet, I would have used the same expressions.

'So I wasn't targeting any community. I sometimes use these kinds of expressions in private, with friends, regardless of their origin.'

Dembele added: 'This video is now public. I can therefore imagine that it could have offended the people present in these images. Therefore, I offer them my most sincere apologies.'

It is thought to be Dembele, who can be heard in the video telling Griezmann: 'All these ugly faces, just so you can play PES [Pro Evolution Soccer], aren't you ashamed?'

Then Dembele adds: 'What kind of backward language is that?' and 'Are you technologically advanced in your country or not?'

Griezmann, meanwhile, was also quick to issue an apology on Twitter, writing: 'I have always been committed against any form of discrimination. For the past few days, some people have wanted to pass me off as the man I am not.

'I firmly refute the accusations made against me and I am sorry if I [offended] my Japanese friends.'

Dembele is believed to have recorded the video and therefore only his legs can be seen, while Griezmann is recorded saying something inaudible at the start, but is then only seen laughing.

Griezmann, 30, is known to be a huge fan of the Pro Evolution Soccer games, having posted a sensational team he had assembled online a couple of years ago.

This is not the first time Griezmann has been caught up in a racism storm, having caused outrage on social media in 2017 after posting a photograph of himself in blackface as part of a fancy dress costume.

The Barcelona and France pair are known to be good friends and are often seen joking around at training sessions for club and country.

The duo were involved for the world champions at the Euros, but Dembele's tournament was cut short due to a knee injury suffered in the group stages against Hungary.

Griezmann - who played 88 minutes of the penalty shootout defeat by Switzerland last week - sent Dembele a message of support on Twitter following his injury.

The former Atletico and Real Sociedad star wrote: 'There are dribbles, hooks, goals, injuries… but above all there is the man!'

'Another obstacle to overcome on your way but you will come back stronger! I'm sad to see you leave these Euros, but know that you'll be on the pitch with us'

Reports in Spain suggest Dembele could be out for at least four months because he requires surgery on the knee issue he sustained last month.