Napoli's Controversial TikTok Video Triggers Backlash, Leaving Victor Osimhen in Disarray
Napoli faces backlash for ridiculing their own player, Victor Osimhen, on social media His agent, Roberto Calenda, threatens legal action against the Serie A club Despite scoring in a recent victory, Osimhen refrains from celebrating
Napoli maintains that their intention was not to offend Victor Osimhen, despite the video on TikTok that seemed to mock the striker. In the video, the Italian champions jokingly portrayed Osimhen missing a penalty in the recent 0-0 draw against Bologna, utilizing a peculiar, accelerated voiceover.
Osimhen's agent has warned Napoli of potential legal consequences following the deletion of the controversial post. Napoli, however, refrained from offering an apology to the Nigerian player when addressing the issue on Thursday.
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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has netted three goals in six matches so far this season. A statement on the club's official website clarifies that Napoli never had any intention of offending or mocking Osimhen, as they recognize his value and contribution to the team.
Napoli demonstrated their appreciation for the striker by refusing all offers to sign him during the summer.
On social media, especially TikTok, people use expressive language in a playful and lighthearted way. In the case of Victor, there was no intention of mocking or ridiculing him.
The club had no intention of offending Victor in any way, if indeed he was offended. Napoli manager Rudi Garcia firmly maintains that Osimhen remains dedicated to the club, despite reports indicating that he may be contemplating his future. Osimhen is contracted with Napoli until 2025, and there are rumors of interest from Saudi Arabia.
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Osimhen's contract with Napoli will end in the summer of 2025.
"After our victory against Udinese on Wednesday, in which Osimhen scored but did not celebrate, Garcia expressed, "I can guarantee you that Victor truly cherishes this jersey. He is fully committed to our project."
I have a strong bond with Victor, and I am thrilled for him as he achieved a score tonight.
In the past two days, there were some instances of clumsiness that caused minor trouble. Neither the TikTok video featuring Victor, nor Victor himself removing his photos on social media, had any intention of causing harm.
No one had any intention of causing harm; these reactions were instinctive and can be sympathized with. As it is his own social media account, he has the liberty to use it as he pleases.
Following the Bologna match, all of us felt frustrated and angry, especially Victor, who missed the penalty. There have been numerous challenges to address, not only on the sporting front but also in relation to TikTok, in recent days.
Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda issued a statement on Tuesday night about the incident.
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On X, previously recognized as Twitter, he expressed, "The occurrence on Napoli's official profile on the TikTok platform today is completely unacceptable. Initially, a video ridiculing Victor was shared with the public, and belatedly, it has been removed.
"This significant incident inflicts severe harm on the player and exacerbates the mistreatment the individual has endured lately due to media trials and false information."
Calenda stated, "We retain the authority to pursue legal remedies and implement necessary measures to safeguard Victor."
Shortly after Calenda's remarks, Osimhen deleted nearly all Napoli-related images from his Instagram account, including the celebrations of last season's Scudetto.
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Osimhen also stopped following Napoli on Instagram before re-following them.
