Napoli Benches Victor Osimhen Amid TikTok Controversy, but Striker Scores in 4-0 Victory
Napoli made the decision to bench Victor Osimhen in their recent match against Lecce following the controversial TikTok video mocking the striker. However, Osimhen came off the bench and managed to score, contributing to Napoli’s 4-0 away victory.
The controversy surrounding Osimhen began when Napoli’s social media team referred to him as a “coconut” in a TikTok video, which is widely considered a racial slur. This mocking came after Osimhen missed a penalty against Bologna, prompting his agent to threaten legal action against the club.
In subsequent matches, Osimhen refused to take a penalty against Udinese and did not celebrate after scoring a goal. These actions further fueled the ongoing controversy surrounding the player.
Napoli manager Rudi Garcia decided to drop Osimhen from the starting lineup against Lecce, although he insisted that it was not solely due to the TikTok incident. Garcia emphasized the need for squad rotation and stated that it was natural to give opportunities to players coming off the bench.
Garcia said in an interview with DAZN, “The extra-sport issue is not important, I prefer to talk about what happens on the field and Osimhen has scored four goals in six games. The rest will take care of itself.”
In response to the threats of legal action, Napoli released a statement claiming that no offense was intended and that the TikTok videos were meant to be “light-hearted.” The club expressed their respect for Osimhen and clarified that they never intended to mock or insult him.
The statement read, “Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club. As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.”
The club also highlighted that social media platforms, including TikTok, often use expressive language with a light-hearted and creative approach. They reiterated that any perceived offense by Osimhen was not the club’s intention.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Osimhen has been performing well on the field, scoring four goals in six games. His contributions have been crucial to Napoli’s success so far this season.
The decision to bench Osimhen against Lecce may have been a strategic move by Garcia to rotate the squad and give other players an opportunity. However, it is clear that the ongoing controversy has had an impact on the player’s relationship with the club.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Napoli and Osimhen will resolve their differences. The club’s statement suggests a desire to move past the issue and focus on the player’s contributions on the field.
In the world of professional football, controversies and conflicts are not uncommon. It is essential for clubs and players to address these issues promptly and find a resolution that allows them to move forward and focus on their performance. Only time will tell how this particular situation will be resolved and whether Osimhen can continue to thrive at Napoli.