Thierry Henry Blasts Napoli Over Victor Osimhen TikTok Video Saga, Claims it is Racist

Thierry Henry Blasts Napoli Over Victor Osimhen TikTok Video Saga, Claims it is Racist

Lukman Mumuni
updated at October 5, 2023 at 8:36 AM
In this article:
Victor Osimhen logo
V. Osimhen
Napoli logoFNigeria logo
Italian Serie A logo
ITA Serie A
Italy
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA UCL
Europe
  • Thierry Henry has criticized Napoli for their video mocking Victor Osimhen
  • Napoli shared a video on TikTok making fun of the striker after missing a penalty
  • Osimhen has released a statement following the viral video saga

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes Napoli's viral TikTok video reaction to Victor Osimhen's penalty miss against Bologna was racially inspired.

The Italian champions posted a video mocking their Nigerian attacker but took it down hours later after massive criticisms from fans.

Henry described the act by Napoli as ''offensive and stupid'', insisting it was a premeditated move by the club.

Victor Osimhen, Thierry Henry, Napoli, Italy
Thierry Henry has reacted to Napoli's viral TikTok video on Victor Osimhen's penalty miss. Credit: @sscnapoli @CBSSportsGolazo
Source: Twitter
"It's wrong on every level. First and foremost it is your own team, that's the TikTok thing. This is what you do to your own player. What is this?," he lamented on CBS Sports Golazo.
"Second of all, third of all and everything, then yes of all it is," he replied Kate Abdo after she quizzed if it is racist.
"Do your due diligence, don't get upset and by the way, so it's not a reaction. You made a video, so it is not the reaction which is stupid and shocking but it is a reaction, you thought about it and you have an idea. Really. Yes it is racist," he added.

Napoli have since apologized to the player with Osimhen releasing a statement expressing his feeling about the entire event.

“Coming to the City of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me. The People of Napoli have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us. The passion of the People of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride. The accusations against People of Naples are untrue," wrote the striker on Instagram, as quoted by GOAL.
"I have a lot of friends that are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for leading their voices to support and reach out to me. I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect and understanding. FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE.”

The Super Eagles star has gone on to score two goals in back-to-back games for the Naples outfit.

Napoli lost their game on Tuesday night against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Balotelli criticizes Osimhen for leaving penalty duty

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Former Manchester City star, Mario Balotelli criticised Victor Osimhen after he left penalty duties due to the TikTok controversy he had with Napoli.

The Nigerian international was part of the goalscorers in Napoli's 4-1 win over Udinese in the Italian Serie A on Wednesday, September 27.

One of the highlights of the game was when Osimhen, who is Napoli’s penalty-kick taker, opted out when his team had a penalty in the match.

Authors
Lukman Mumuni photo
Lukman Mumuni
Lukman Abdul Mumin is a Sports Journalist based in Accra, Ghana. He has been writing for the past five years. Lukman joined Sports Brief as an Editor for the Local Desk in 2022.
Tags
World