Victor Osimhen lost a penalty that could have revived his goal drought against Bologna over the weekend
Napoli finds itself in hot water following the release of a controversial TikTok video that mocked Nigerian star, Victor Osimhen, after a crucial missed penalty in their match against Bologna, Soccernet.ng reports.
The incident escalated after the player's agent, Roberto Calenda, issued a strong statement condemning the club's actions and hinting at potential legal repercussions.
In the match against the Petronians, Osimhen's missed penalty denied Napoli crucial points, leaving fans disappointed in their 0-0 away tie.
Napoli's official TikTok channel decided to capitalize on the situation by posting a video that mocked Osimhen. The video humorously detailed Osimhen's appeal for a handball penalty, only for him to subsequently miss the spot-kick.
Watch the video here:
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1706784057479118979?s=46&t=b9FUBUNstw3lkK85djbEwA
The video quickly drew reactions on social media, with some Nigerian fans perceiving it as offensive and possibly racist towards Osimhen.
Despite the video being taken down in response to the backlash, it resurfaced on various platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).
Calenda, Osimhen's agent, expressed strong disapproval of Napoli's actions in an official statement. He emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and inflicts significant damage on the player, who has already been subject to media scrutiny and fake news in recent times.
“What happened today on Napoli's official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.
“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted. A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news.
“We reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor.” Calenda stated.
Earlier, Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, was reportedly under investigation over the alleged misrepresentation of Osimhen’s transfer dealings from LOSC Lille.
This, therefore, looks like a day to forget for the Neapolitans as it might see the Super Eagles talisman making an early exit from the Diego Maradona stadium if things do not go well as expected.
