Ruud Gullit responds to Euros costume controversy

While fan engagement and festivities are a big part of what makes the Euros such a great tournament, a few Dutch fans have drawn the ire of the football world thanks to their tribute to one of the Netherlands’ most famous players.

What’s the problem? Well, for these fans to dress up as the iconic Ruud Gullit, they had to paint their faces black and don dreadlocks – essentially partaking in blackface.

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The Netherlands has a controversial relationship with blackface at the best of times, with calls every for the citiziens to abandon their Christmas tradition of dressing up as ‘Zwarte Piet’ (aka Black Pete), which often involves a white person wearing thick black make-up paired with comically red lips.

Is this the same thing? Well, the man himself doesn’t seem to think so! Ruud Gullit has responded to the situation, saying he feels ‘honoured’ by the tribute.

Humberto Tan, who works alongside Gullit to combat racism in football, relayed the message to De Telegraaf on behalf of the former Chelsea and AC Milan star.

"He said: ‘I actually feel quite honoured’, because it’s a reminder of one of the biggest prizes he won as a footballer. Blackface is an unattractive phenomenon, but in this specific case, where it’s meant as a tribute, I think that’s how you should see it," Tan was reported as saying by De Telegraaf.   

The costumes were donned by at least three fans during the Netherlands 2-1 win over Poland on June 16.

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One of the fans, Bart van de Ven has spoken out on his part in the display, telling Dutch News, and translated by The Mirror: "Maybe I made a mistake or it's a blind spot. The last thing I want to do is hurt people and that's why I've decided to stop."

Mr van de Ven said while he has been wearing the costume for years, he has decided to hang it up for good due to the backlash he has received from this tournament. 

"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."

"I do the act purely for my own enjoyment and wanted to raise money for good causes as Rasta Ruud during the European championships. That’s not happening now. If the fun stops, it stops for me too," The Mirror reported.

What do you think? Is this just a simple good-natured tribute to a legendary player, or should this type of costume always going to be offensive, despite the intention behind it?

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