Inter winger Denzel Dumfries has apologised for an ‘error of judgment’ in holding up an insulting banner depicting Milan star Theo Hernandez. ‘It was not smart at all.’
It probably will not be enough to avoid a hefty fine and he could even receive a suspension for violating the code of conduct with the banner.
“Yesterday was the most beautiful day for me, all the players, and everyone at the club. Thank you so much to the fans who turned out in their thousands at the parade. It was a great feeling to celebrate with all of you, it meant so much to the team,” wrote Dumfries on Instagram.
“During the parade, I held up a banner that displayed an inappropriate image. I am a player who loves rivalry in football, it is a crucial part of any game. I realise that holding up the banner was an error of judgement on my part and not smart at all.
“Let’s move on to focusing on what has been the most amazing season for Inter Milan. Thank you once again for all your support this season, and for the celebrations yesterday, I will never forget them.”
Dumfries banner sparked controversy
During Sunday’s open top bus Scudetto celebration parade, Dumfries spotted a fan with a large banner that depicted himself holding a dog on a leash with the face of Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.
Dumfries waved to have it given to him and gleefully held it over his head, so cannot go with the defence Roma defender Gianluca Mancini had after the Derby della Capitale when claiming he had not seen the rat in Lazio colours on a flag he was handed by ultras.
Inter had for the most part been very careful to avoid falling into the trap of mocking their rivals and above all individual players, with the speaker during the Piazza Duomo stage of the celebration cutting short a chant about Theo Hernandez.
“We are here to celebrate ourselves, not talk about anyone else.”
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So he didn’t apologise…
Oh please lighten-up and get a sense of humor, Serie A… the banner was hilarious!
@boh! Let’s see if it was your pic on a leash instead. I’m interista but on this case, Dumfries shoulda been more careful.
I mean yah it is insulting but c’mon, you can not laugh at this dimented banner! Only a dimented clown can design something like this, it even has the Liquor banner on the side! 🙂 , RFOL!