Ruud Gullit responds after Dutch fans are slammed for doing ‘blackface’

Ruud Gullit has reportedly responded after Netherlands supporters dressed up as him at Euro 2024.

For their opening fixture against Poland in Hamburg in Sunday, a group of fans were seen imitating the former Dutch international.

Stood in the stands, the trio, wearing retro Netherlands shirts, had painted their faces black and sported dreadlocks and a moustache as they recreated Gullit’s look from the 1988 Euros triumph.

The cosplaying courted controversy as the group were accused of ‘blackface’, which dates back to the 19th century and is seen as racist by many.

One of the men, Bart van de Ven, is said to have done the same at a number of international tournaments between 2008 and 2014.

But despite the backlash, it’s claimed that Gullit does not feel offended.

According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Gullit said, “I actually feel honoured” when asked about the impersonating.

Image: Getty

Van De Ven, meanwhile, has said he has received mixed responses to his cosplaying of the AC Milan and Chelsea midfielder.

And he has now confirmed he will not be continuing to dress up as Gullit going forward to avoid “certain unpleasant association”.

“Maybe I made a mistake or it’s a blind spot,” he said, as per Dutch News. The last thing I want to do is hurt people and that’s why I’ve decided to stop.

“I’ve had a lot of really nice responses as well, but 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.”

Gullit is one of the greatest Dutch players of all time, playing 66 times and scoring 17 goals.

Ronald Koeman’s side came from behind to win their opening group game, with Wout Weghorst coming off the bench to score the winner.

They take on France in their second fixture in Group D on Friday.

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Featured Image Credit: Getty & UEFA

Topics: Netherlands, Euro 2024