Legendary Soccer Player Ruud Gullit Reacts To Netherlands' Fans Wearing Offensive Blackface, Dreadlocks Wigs To Mimic Him
The European Cup in Berlin featured more than just soccer after a group of soccer fans reportedly from the Netherlands were pictured wearing blackface.
According to the 'Atlanta Black Star,' three men wore the offensive costume with black paint on their faces and dreadlocks wigs in an attempt to emulate former Dutch soccer star Ruud Gullit.
"Blackface is an especially contentious issue in the Netherlands, known for its traditional Christmas character Black Pete," the 'Black Information Network' reported. "The appearance of the character, historically played by white actors in blackface, curly afro wigs, and red lipstick, at Christmas festivals and on television is debated annually."
Despite the severe backlash, Gullit was seemingly unbothered by the costumes, telling Dutch newspaper 'De Telegraaf' how he actually felt "honored."
However, one of the fans who wore blackface, Bart van de Ven, vowed to "retire" the offensive persona, according to 'DutchNews.'
He admitted that maybe he "made a mistake or it's a blind spot."
"The last thing I want to do is hurt people and that's why I've decided to stop," he continued.
Bart confessed that although he's "had a lot of really nice responses as well," clearly there is "a group who feel differently. I have to respect that and listen to it. The last thing I want is for people to have a certain unpleasant association with my act."
Some Dutch nationals were reportedly embarrassed by the actions Bart and company.
"As a Dutch person I hope he's painted himself orange like others did but this sh- is so outdated and tiring," one fan wrote on Twitter, now known as X. "I don't understand why they even let them into the stadium. 'Say no to racism' but allow people with blackface into the stadium?"
The Netherlands, who defeated Poland 2 to 1, will play against France on June 21.
Gullit was instrumental in helping the Netherlands win Euro 1988, beating the Soviet Union in the final at 26-year-old. Before the age of 10, Gullit, real name Rudi Dil in Amsterdam, began playing soccer and throughout his adulthood, played professionally for several Europe football clubs.
