Former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has apologised after making a racist remark about Japan players during their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands. Speaking for Dutch broadcaster NOS TV, he said they "all look alike" after Micky van de Ven lost Koki Ogawa's run for the late equaliser.

Van der Vaart, 43, later said he never meant to offend, hurt or discriminate against anyone. The former Netherlands international, capped 109 times and a member of the Dutch squad that lost the 2010 World Cup final, said he respected people from every background, ethnicity and culture.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation said the comments were hugely disappointing, especially from former players on a global stage. They said broadcasters must take responsibility for guests through education or training, because careless language can affect players and the wider East and South East Asian community.