Victor Osimhen’s goals steered Napoli to their first Scudetto title in over three decades, but it mattered little to the club’s social media handlers
Arsenal hero Thierry Henry has reacted with disgust at the ugly and controversial but now deleted video mocking Victor Osimhen that Napoli shared on social media, Soccernet.ng reports.
Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and a couple more social media platforms caught fire last week after Napoli posted a video that mocked Osimhen’s penalty miss at Bologna.
The Super Eagles striker had fired his spot-kick wide in a game that eventually ended goalless, leaving a lot of Napoli fans frustrated.
Still, many did not expect Napoli to make Osimhen – who scored 26 goals to propel the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season – the scapegoat afterwards.
Several Nigerian fans believed the video was one of many attempts by Napoli to downplay Osimhen’s impact on the club’s recent success because he is a player of colour.
https://twitter.com/the_smallie/status/1654869078354325504
In May, Kvaratskelia had been crowned the King of Naples on social media even when Osimhen was clearly the best player in Italy.
Napoli later deleted the video after facing a torrent of criticisms. Still, Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda threatened the club with legal action before the club released a statement claiming there was no intent to offend Osimhen.
The video, the club claimed, was for fans to have light-hearted fun on a platform designed specifically for such purpose.
But former France international Henry is not impressed by Napoli’s watery excuses.
Henry, the greatest player in Arsenal’s history, is convinced that only racism could have motivated Napoli to turn their arsenal against the club’s best star.
“It is wrong on every level,” Henry said. “What are we talking about? It is, first and foremost, your own team. This is what you do to your own player.
“And yes, it is (racism). Do your due diligence. Don’t get upset.
“And by the way, you made a video. It is not a reaction that is still stupid and shocking. You made a video.
“You thought about it and you say, ‘You know what, I have an idea: let me create a video.’
“Really? This is what you create? Your own player!
“And yes, it is racist.”
"It's wrong on every level… It's your own team! What are we talking about here?"
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 3, 2023
Thierry Henry is stunned by Napoli's social media treatment of star striker Victor Osimhen. pic.twitter.com/txK5ZoFzve
While Osimhen was initially offended by Napoli’s social media actions and the club’s delayed reaction, the 24-year-old has decided to move on from the incident.
The Super Eagles striker confessed his affection, admiration, and respect for Napoli fans and has vowed to continue to be a champion for Neapolitans on and off the pitch.
i hate napoli and all italian crackers
The Napoli Tiktok channel has deleted this video afre receiving many mixed opinions.
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