Jhingan apologised for his comments
Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan has apologised for a sexist comment he made at the end of an Indian Super League game at the weekend.
The 28-year-old was visibly frustrated with his ATK Mohun Bagan teammates following a 2-2 draw with Kerala Blasters and said he had "played a match with women".
Jhingan, who is the vice captain of India’s national men’s team, was seen making the comment in a video as he left the stadium after the match on Saturday.
According to the
Independent, reports claimed that the video actually appeared briefly on Mohun Bagan’s Instagram page before it was quickly deleted.
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The centre-back was heavily criticised for his comments, with people accusing him of implying women were inferior to men.
He later issued an apology on Twitter, insisting that he made the comments in the "heat of the moment".
"If my comments have hurt anyone, my apologies. It was never intended to create any harm to anyone," said Jhingan.
The footballer added: "What you hear is an argument I had with my teammate after the game. What I said was a result of the disappointment for not winning the game.
"I told my teammate not to make excuses, so anyone taking my comment differently is only doing it to tarnish my name.
"Those who know me personally will tell you that I have always been a huge supporter of the Indian women’s team and women in general.
https://twitter.com/SandeshJhingan/status/1495331741497651210
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"Don’t forget that I have a mother, my sisters and my wife, and I’ve always been respectful towards women."
Despite his apology, fans of both ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters were not appeased, with many claiming that Jhingan's comments were a criticism of the opposition side.
He clarified that the comment "was not made intended towards Kerala Blasters FC. I have always respected every opponent, and I have a lot of friends at the club. I’d never disrespect the club especially when I have given my blood and sweat for them".
Jhingan also tried to explain that "when you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective."
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