Japan national soccer team “signature” Takefusa Kubo (22, Real Sociedad) has apologized after throwing an opponent’s jersey on the ground.
Kubo played until the final whistle after being substituted for Daichi Kamada in the 26th minute of Japan’s 3-0 second-half lead against Peru in an exhibition match at Panasonic Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on April 20. The match ended in a 4-1 victory for Japan.
The problem came after the game. Kubo exchanged jerseys with Peruvian defender Alexander Kalins (Girona), who dropped it on the ground as he walked away. Instead of looking at it, Kubo changed into Japan’s pink training kit and walked off nonchalantly. He didn’t pick up the dropped jersey. 메이저놀이터
This could be read as disrespectful to the Peruvian athlete. It was bound to spark controversy.
Peruvian media outlet Paseo Filtrado slammed Gubo for his “terrible behavior”.
Eventually, Gubo apologized. “I didn’t mean to leave the jersey on the ground,” he said on his social media accounts, “I was taking care of my ankle injury and didn’t realize I had it in my hand. I’m sorry to the Peruvian fans. I was inconsiderate, and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
Kubo, a Japan national soccer team regular, scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 35 appearances in Spanish La Liga this season. His Japan A-match record is 25 caps and two goals.