Dante Vanzeir reveals he said the word ‘monkey’ thinking it meant ‘clown’ as disgraced Red Bulls forward speaks out about the racism spat that has rocked Major League Soccer
New York Red Bulls striker Dante Vanzeir has revealed he said the word “monkey” believing it meant the same thing as “clown” in the racism spat that has brought Major League Soccer to shame.
In an interview in his native Belgium, Vanzeir said he accepts his $10,000 fine and six-game suspension and wants to repair his reputation for the recent incident that disgraced Major League Soccer.
Speaking to Sporza, 25-year-old Vanzeir said: “I’ll tell you exactly how it went.
‘The referee blows his whistle for a foul, after which I argue with him. Afterwards I am still grumbling to myself about the ref. I then said monkey, but in the sense of clown, dummy. Because I thought he made the wrong decision.
“It didn’t even occur to me that that word would be insulting to one of my opponents. I grumbled to myself and misjudged the impact of that word. In our language, that word is often used with an intention that is not racist at all.’
Dante Vanzeir has spoken out about his role in the racism riot that has baffled MLS
Vanzeir underlined his desire to return to Red Bulls after his suspension, despite an angry reaction to the incident from Red Bulls fans.
“I made a mistake, but I hope the fans can forget me and welcome me back on the pitch. Because it is still my greatest passion. I want to have great moments with the club and the fans.
“I fully accept that penalty. In that period I can process everything, take the necessary steps and, above all, restore confidence to my teammates, the club and the fans. I want to show that I’m a good guy, that I’m free of racism in my mind and heart.’
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