Colombian forward Edwin Cardona apologised on Saturday for making what appeared to be a slit-eyed gesture during his country’s friendly game against South Korea.
The 24-year-old was in hot water after making a derogatory gesture with his eyes toward South Korean players in the Friday night’s game at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Cardona’s actions, which were visible on the television broadcast, have caught more attentions than South Korea’s first victory result since March following a brace of Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min.
“I didn’t mean to disrespect anyone, a country or a race, but if anyone felt offended, or interpreted it in that way, I am sorry,” he said in a video posted on the Colombian FA’s official Twitter account.
“I want to say I am not an aggressive person. I am sorry that something that happened during the game has been misinterpreted.”
The Boca Junior striker’s actions in the game where Colombia loss 2-1 were also highly condemned by the South Korean media and captain Ki Sung-yeung.
“Racist behavior is unacceptable,” said Ki. “Colombia are a team full of world-class players and it was disappointing to see this kind of thing.”