He Didn't Even Look at Them: Urawa Red Diamonds Captain's Excuse for Not Greeting River Plate Players

Following their recent match against River Plate, the captain of Urawa Red Diamonds has issued an apology for not shaking hands with the opposing players before the game. The incident sparked some discussion among fans and media, prompting the Urawa Red Diamonds skipper to clarify his actions.

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In a statement addressing the situation, the captain explained his oversight, citing unfamiliar circumstances and a moment of confusion. "To the River Plate fans," his statement began, "I forgot to do the handshake because the setup was new. I was confused and in my zone, and I didn't understand that we were supposed to do it. That's why I walked without doing the handshake."

The captain acknowledged that his actions may have been misinterpreted, emphasizing that a lack of respect was never his intention. "It looks like I don't care. That was never my intention," he stated. Recognizing the importance of sportsmanship and the tradition of pre-match greetings, he took steps to rectify the situation privately before addressing the wider audience.

"I apologized to the players in the locker room after the match, and now I apologize to you," he continued, directly addressing the River Plate fanbase. His message also included a note of respect for their victory, concluding with, "Congratulations on the win! All the best in the upcoming games."

The gesture of skipping the pre-match handshake can often be perceived as disrespectful in football, a sport that generally upholds traditions of camaraderie and mutual respect between competing teams, even amidst intense rivalries. Therefore, the captain's explanation and subsequent apology aim to dispel any notions of intentional disregard for River Plate.

His explanation points to the logistical aspects of the event, suggesting that a new or altered setup for the pre-match protocol led to his confusion and oversight. Being "in his zone," a common state for athletes preparing for competition, further contributed to his failure to realize the expected handshake was to take place.

The fact that the captain addressed the River Plate players directly in their locker room after the match indicates a personal acknowledgment of the misstep and a desire to maintain good relations between the clubs. By extending his apology publicly to the fans, he has sought to further clarify the situation and ensure that his actions are not seen as a deliberate snub.

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This incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that team captains often face, as their actions can be highly symbolic and subject to interpretation by fans and the media. The Urawa Red Diamonds captain's prompt apology and detailed explanation reflect an effort to uphold the values of sportsmanship and clear any potential misunderstandings.