Mexican footballer Javier Cicarito Hernandez said he deeply regrets sexist comments that led to him being punished and warned about future behavior.
The Mexican Football Federation said the 37-year-old Chivas player made a series of statements on TikTok last weekend that "promote sexist stereotypes that are considered media violence and oppose gender equality in sports." The federation has fined him and warned him about his behavior.
"Don't be afraid to be a woman, to let a man lead you. Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, you are making society too sensitive," the former Manchester United and Real Madrid footballer said, according to the BBC.
In an apology posted on Instagram today, he said he "didn't intend to hurt or divide."
"I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words may have caused," the former West Ham, Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen player added.
The former Mexican international stated that as a father, a man and a member of the community, it is his priority to act with respect and responsibility and that he will use this opportunity to understand, grow and continue working on being a better version of himself, guided by honesty, love for his family, for his values and for everyone else.
He has received numerous criticisms for his previous statements, and Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum, the first female head of state, has also spoken out.
"Cicarito is a very good footballer, but when it comes to his opinion on women... he has a lot to learn," she said.
Hernandez is the top scorer in the history of the Mexican national team, having scored 52 goals in 109 matches.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
